Key Takeaways
- Residents in Johannesburg’s business district and Bezuidenhout Valley reported a strong smell emanating from their piped and tap water
- Johannesburg Water issued an alert over possible water contamination and is conducting an investigation
- Water samples have been collected and preliminary results indicate some areas of concern, but overall water quality is improving
- Interventions, including flushing and sampling, will continue until full restoration of water supply
- An alternative water supply is being provided to affected areas through roaming water tankers
- A 54-hour maintenance is scheduled to take place from January 6-8, 2026, which will result in limited or no water supply for three to five days
Introduction to the Issue
The residents of Johannesburg’s business district and Bezuidenhout Valley have been experiencing a strong smell emanating from their piped and tap water, prompting an investigation by Johannesburg Water. The utility issued an alert on December 30, 2025, over possible water contamination affecting Albertina Sisulu Road and surrounding streets in the Joburg CBD and Bez Valley. This alert was issued after residents reported the smell on December 29, 2025, and Johannesburg Water has been working to address the issue since then.
Investigation and Interventions
As part of the ongoing investigation, Johannesburg Water collected water samples from several locations on January 3, 2026. The preliminary results indicate some areas of concern, but overall water quality is improving towards acceptable levels. The entity has been conducting interventions, including flushing, to restore the water supply. Flushing continued on January 4, 2026, and a further sampling round was taken, with preliminary results expected the following day. Johannesburg Water has assured that it will continue with interventions until full restoration of the water supply.
Alternative Water Supply
In the meantime, an alternative water supply is being provided to affected areas through roaming water tankers. Johannesburg Water has thanked affected residents for their patience and cooperation while the process is being completed. The alternative water supply is a temporary measure to ensure that residents have access to clean drinking water while the issue is being resolved. The utility is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible to minimize the inconvenience to residents.
Severe Water Cuts
However, residents of Johannesburg will face another challenge in the form of severe water cuts starting from January 6, 2026. The third leg of Rand Water’s planned maintenance on their systems is scheduled to take place from January 6, 2026, at 4 am until January 8, 2026, at 8 am. This 54-hour maintenance will result in a limited or no water supply for three to five days. The maintenance is necessary to replace a certain isolation meter in the Rand bulk supply pipes, and affected Johannesburg Water systems will decline until empty, resulting in poor pressure to no water.
Impact of Water Cuts
The water cuts will affect direct feeds, which will be affected by no water for the duration. Upon completion of the maintenance work, impacted Johannesburg Water systems will take 3-5 days to fully recover. Residents are advised to prepare for the water cuts by storing water and making arrangements for alternative water sources. Johannesburg Water has warned that the water cuts will be severe, and residents should take necessary precautions to minimize the impact. The utility is working to minimize the disruption, but the maintenance is necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water supply system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issue of smelly water in Johannesburg’s business district and Bezuidenhout Valley is being addressed by Johannesburg Water. The utility is conducting an investigation and interventions to restore the water supply, and an alternative water supply is being provided to affected areas. However, residents will face severe water cuts starting from January 6, 2026, due to planned maintenance. Residents are advised to prepare for the water cuts and take necessary precautions to minimize the impact. Johannesburg Water is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and ensure that the water supply system is safe and reliable.