The City of Tshwane confirms that water-quality testing detected microbiological non-compliance affecting water supplied from Findlay Reservoir on 21 October 2026.
Findlay Reservoir is normally supplied by a combination of underground water and water from Rand Water. The underground water is generally of high quality and requires minimal chlorination.
However, an unexpected sewer pipe burst allowed contaminated water to enter the water supply system, resulting in elevated microbial levels that exceeded the capacity of the existing chlorination measures.
Upon detecting the contamination, the City immediately isolated the affected source, emptied Findlay Reservoir and switched the Pretoria CBD and surrounding areas to an alternative supply from Salvokop Reservoir. Teams also began flushing the affected network to remove contaminated water.
This incident is separate from and unrelated to the ongoing water crisis in Bronkhorstspruit.
As a precaution, residents and businesses in the affected areas are advised to boil tap water before use until further notice.
The following areas are affected:
Residents and businesses should observe the following precautions:
The City will also provide access to safe drinking water through water tankers deployed to affected communities. Tanker locations and availability will be communicated to residents.
Although the affected source has been isolated and an alternative supply activated, residents must continue to observe the boil-water advisory until further testing confirms that the water is safe for consumption.
The City will continue monitoring water quality, flushing the affected network and undertaking the necessary corrective work. Further updates will be provided as the work progresses, including confirmation of when the advisory can safely be lifted.
- Arcadia
- Asiatic Bazaar
- Asiatic Bazaar Extension 1
- Belle Ombre 636-JR
- Cape Boys' Location
- Daspoort 319-JR
- Elandspoort 357-JR
- Marabastad
- Phillip Nel Park
- Pretoria
- Pretoria Central
- Pretoria Extension 1
- Pretoria Extension 9
- Pretoria Extension 11
- Pretoria Extension 14
- Pretoria Town and Townlands 346-JR
- Pretoria and Townlands 351-JR
- Pretoria and Tshwane
- Prinshof 349-JR
- Skougronde 648-JR
- Sunnyside
- Trevenna
- Discard stored tap water and ice made from tap water.
- Bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, preparing food or brushing teeth. Allow it to cool before use.
- Do not consume unboiled tap water or use it to prepare food.
- Share this advisory with neighbours, tenants and others who may be affected.