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Boil tap water for seven days: eThekwini issues precautionary alert for Durban south
For thousands of residents living along Durban’s southern coastline and surrounding suburbs, a simple daily habit has suddenly changed. Instead of pouring water straight from the tap, households are now being asked to boil it first.
The eThekwini Municipality has issued a precautionary notice advising residents in several southern areas to boil tap water before drinking it for the next seven days. The temporary measure comes as remedial work continues and additional monitoring of water quality takes place across the affected supply network.
Officials say the instruction is purely precautionary, but residents are still being encouraged to follow it carefully until the monitoring period is complete.
Areas affected by the precautionary alert
The advisory applies to a wide stretch of neighbourhoods across Durban South.
Residents in Lewis Drive, Amanzimtoti CBD, Athlone Park, Kingsway Hospital, Almond Road, Winklespruit, Warner Beach, Illovo Glen, Lower Illovo, Doonside, Launceston Road, Panorama Park, and Lovu A, B, and C are among those affected.
The notice also includes Bhekulwandle, Msarhweni, KwaMakhutha, Mkhazini, eMasomini, Adams Sheleni Road, Sunnyside Park, Lovu Phase 1, Lovu Phase 3, Lovu Landfill, and Inkwali.
Anyone living in these communities has been advised to treat tap water before using it for drinking or preparing beverages.
Why residents are being asked to boil water
According to the municipality, preliminary laboratory testing shows that the water currently meets South African National Standard SANS 241 requirements for drinking water quality.
However, some consumers have reported concerns related to the look, taste, or smell of the water. Municipal officials describe these as aesthetic issues rather than confirmed contamination, but the boil notice has been issued as a precaution while investigations and remedial work continue.
The eThekwini Water and Sanitation Unit says the city’s drinking water is routinely monitored and tested in an ISO 17025-accredited municipal laboratory. The current monitoring process has been intensified during this period.
Residents will be informed if any further developments emerge from the laboratory testing.
What residents should and should not do
For now, households in the affected areas are being urged to take a few simple precautions.
Tap water should not be consumed directly and should not be used to make drinks, juices, or baby formula unless it has been boiled first. Ice made recently from tap water should also be avoided.
Cooking with tap water is allowed only if the food is boiled for at least one minute.
Residents are encouraged to boil water for at least one minute before drinking it or using it for food preparation. Dishes, fruits, and vegetables should be washed with boiled water or water that has been disinfected.
Brushing teeth should be done with boiled or bottled water.
Bathing and washing hands remain safe as long as the water is not swallowed, and laundry can continue as usual using either hot or cold water. Dishwashers can also be used if they operate at high temperatures.
If boiling water is not possible, the municipality advises mixing one teaspoon of unscented household chlorine bleach into 20 litres of water. The solution should be mixed thoroughly, covered, and left standing, lightly covered, for at least two hours before use.
Not the first warning for Durban South
For many residents, the situation feels familiar. In December 2025, a similar advisory was issued in parts of Durban South, prompting households to temporarily boil tap water before drinking it.
Moments like these often spark conversation across neighbourhood WhatsApp groups and social media, where residents share updates, advice, and sometimes frustration about water infrastructure challenges.
For now, the municipality says the precaution will remain in place for seven days while monitoring continues. Once testing confirms everything is fully resolved, the advisory is expected to be lifted.
Until then, a kettle on the stove may become a small but important daily routine for households across eThekwini South.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Leaf Home
