WATCH: Red smelly water runs from taps in Johannesburg

While Johannesburg grappled with a water crisis, residents in some parts of the city that did have water reported that it was off-colour and smelled bad.

According to Johannesburg Water, the abnormal water affected homes in parts of Hursthill and Auckland Park this week.

The utility said this was linked to the construction of a new reservoir and tower in nearby Brixton.

“During the installation of a new pipeline, sand entered the pipe system. The pipeline was subsequently flushed. However, some sand had already migrated into parts of the distribution network. This may have resulted in discoloured water in certain households.”

WATCH: Smelly red water flows from taps in the area

Hursthill residents in Johannesburg say they no longer trust water from the municipality. After the tap water was reddish on Thursday#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/zgHoCnvD7S

– Sbusiso Maphumulo (@IamsbusisoM) February 20, 2026

Water tests

Johannesburg Water has collected water quality samples from Monday to Wednesday and additional samples on Friday. The results of these tests are expected on Monday. It will determine whether the issue has been fully resolved.

Meanwhile, the new reservoir and tower remain isolated and are not supplying water to the system.

“They will only be brought into operation once formal clearance is issued by Johannesburg Water’s Water Quality team.”

Don’t drink the water

Residents in the area are advised not to drink tap water until further notice and to use alternative water sources for drinking and cooking.

“Johannesburg Water acknowledges the inconvenience caused and assures residents that water quality and public health remain a priority. Further updates will be provided once verified results are available,” the utility added.

Residents may report ongoing concerns to: