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Tshwane water crisis hits 408 as chlorination lapses

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Tshwane Municipality Warns

Tshwane municipality warned residents not to drink tap water after a contaminated supply caused illness.
The Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant operated without chlorination from 24 September to 14 October.
408 people, mostly children under four, fell ill between 7 October and 18 October.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced national government intervention and pledged to resolve the crisis within days.
City deployed 36 tankers from Cullinan and told residents to use tap water only for flushing.

Summary

Cilliers Brink Complains

DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink lodged a criminal complaint against the municipality at Pretoria Central police.
Officials say a chlorine supplier demanded a 400 percent price hike, causing contract negotiations to fail.
Internal disciplinary proceedings have begun against staff responsible for the chlorination lapse.
Water Research Commission will issue findings on 21 October 2026 and a full report by 28 October 2026.

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Tshwane Municipality Warns

Tshwane municipality warned residents not to drink tap water after a contaminated supply caused illness.
The Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant operated without chlorination from 24 September to 14 October.
408 people, mostly children under four, fell ill between 7 October and 18 October.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced national government intervention and pledged to resolve the crisis within days.
City deployed 36 tankers from Cullinan and told residents to use tap water only for flushing.

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