A restored chlorine supply has allowed the city to reopen the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant, but residents in Bronkhorstspruit and nearby areas have been told not to use tap water for drinking, cooking, bathing or any other household purpose. Authorities said the water remains unsafe for human consumption.
More than 400 gastrointestinal illness cases, including stomach cramps and diarrhoea, were recorded between October 7 and 18 after the water supply went without chlorination from September 24 to October 14. Testing found E. coli and other bacteria in the water, while the National Institute for Communicable Diseases detected norovirus, Campylobacter and Shigella in patient samples.
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The city has sent 36 water tankers carrying supplies from Cullinan, where the water has been confirmed safe. Independent testing of the Bronkhorstspruit supply is continuing. Residents may use tap water only to flush toilets until authorities verify that it is safe.
