The City of Cape Town is aware of fake news messages circulating in community WhatsApp groups, asking the public not to drink municipal-supplied tap water. Messages are also inaccurately linking typhoid fever mentioned in a recent article to the City’s water supply. The City of Cape Town assures residents that our tap water is safe to drink.

‘The City continually monitors drinking water to ensure it complies with the strict requirements of the South African National Drinking Water Standard (SANS241). All drinking water samples tested this week complied with the South African National Drinking Water Standard on Acute Health Determinands and pose no health risk to the public,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.

‘The very hot conditions in the City has led to a noticeable increase in the number of children brought to health facilities with symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration. Unclean hands can spread viruses that cause diarrhoea. During hot summer days, food can easily get spoilt. If eaten, this can also cause diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration. It is important to prepare and store food safely and to practice good hand hygiene at all times,’ said Councillor Patricia van der Ross, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

Report water-related concerns
If residents have any concerns related to the quality of the water, please report it via the following channels to arrange for a sample to be taken:

Source: City Of Cape Town