Expert says sewage contamination unlikely amid Fleurhof water scare

Amid growing concerns over water quality in Fleurhof, Johannesburg, Water Infrastructure Expert, Carin Bosman, says it’s unlikely that the water has been contaminated with sewage.

Residents have been complaining about murky tap water with a smell of human waste since Thursday.

They suspect the problem started when maintenance workers unknowingly contaminated the water with sewage while fixing pipes.

Despite Johannesburg Water’s assurances that the water is safe, residents feel trapped and worried about their children’s and elderly relatives’ health.

Precautions are being taken, with Johannesburg Water providing tankers.

However, Bosman explains that recent maintenance work couldn’t have caused sewage contamination, as clean water and raw sewage use separate pipelines.

She suggests soil or sand may have contaminated the water during maintenance work and has advised residents to boil drinking water or add chlorination tablets.

Johannesburg Water says water samples have since been taken for testing, with results pending.

As residents anxiously await the outcome, they continue to make use of tankers and those who can afford – are buying their drinking water.

YNews spoke with Fleurhof Primary School learners who haven’t returned to school due to water contamination fears.

They say teachers are concerned about their well-being, and they’ve missed two days of teaching due to poor water quality.

Many children are unoccupied and have been loitering around a park near the Fleurhof Recreational Centre.

Grade 6 learners say it’s unfair they have to miss school and have expressed concerns about upcoming exams.

Meanwhile, some young adults in the community say they are frustrated, adding that the money spent on clean drinking water could be used for job searching or studies.

Amid South Africa’s 45.5% youth unemployment rate, they believe government’s failure to deliver basic services like clean drinking water has added to their struggles.

Despite assurances, Fleurhof residents remain skeptical about drinking tap water, unsure how Joburg Water will regain their trust. Written by Naomi Kobbie