Boil Before You Drink: eThekwini Issues Water Alert for Multiple Durban Areas

Residents in several parts of Durban have been advised to boil tap water before drinking after the eThekwini Municipality issued a precautionary water alert.

The notice, issued on 12 March 2026, applies to reservoirs supplied by the Toti Water Works and will remain in place for seven days while water quality monitoring and remedial work continue.

Affected Areas

The following areas are affected:

• Lewis Drive

• Amanzimtoti CBD

• Athlone Park

• Kingsway Hospital

• Almond

• Winkelspruit

• Warner Beach

• Illovo Glen

• Lower Illovo

• Doonside

• Launceston

• Panorama Park

• Lovu A, B and C

• Bhekulwandle

• Msharheni

• KwaMakhutha

• Mkhazini

• eMasomisini

• Adams Sheleni

• Sunnyside Park

• Lovu Phase 1 and Phase 3

• Lovu Landfill and Inkwali

The Precaution

According to the municipality, preliminary laboratory tests show the water meets South African National Standard (SANS) 241 drinking water requirements.

However, officials said consumer complaints about aesthetic issues with the water remain a concern, prompting the precautionary advisory.

“As a precautionary measure, you are advised to first boil water for one minute to make it safe for consumption.”

What Residents Should Do

• Boil tap water for one minute before drinking

• Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and preparing food

• Allow water to cool before using

What Residents Should Not Do

• Do not drink tap water without boiling it first

• Do not use unboiled tap water for ice cubes

• Do not assume the issue is resolved until the municipality lifts the alert

The Bottom Line

The water meets national standardsbut residents are complaining. So for the next seven days: boil before you drink.

Better safe than sorry.