Media statement: no embargo

15 December 2021

Johannesburg Water response to alleged water quality challenges in Kliptown

The City of Johannesburg Environmental Health Department escalated a complaint on 02 December 2021 relating to traces of mercury in drinking water at property 625 Beacon Road, Kliptown, Soweto. This issue which led to misinformation and misconception of water quality in the City of Johannesburg, and particularly that area indicated that the quality of water started to degrade after Rand Water restrictions conducted between 15 to 17 November 2021 and customers displayed symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach, cramps and skin rash due to traces mercury in drinking water.

Investigations were conducted by Johannesburg Water Scientific Services Department on 3 December 2021, and samples were taken thereof. Inclusive of water quality, samples taken were those of the affected property including neighboring reticulation network.

Four (4) different sample points were used in order to determine the magnitude of alleged compromised water quality.

The four sample points used for testing water quality are:
i. Power Park (inlet point)
ii. Power Park (outlet point)
iii. Street hydrant (Cnr. Turf/Boundary Rd)
iv. 625 Beacon Rd, Kliptown (Garden tap)

Johannesburg Water would like to confirm that the laboratory test results of all four-sample points did not detect mercury as samples were found to be compliant with drinking water standards as per SANS 241 (2015). The entity prides itself with providing residents with good quality drinking water with the monthly water quality compliance reports available to the public from our website.

ENDS