Tshwane restricts tap water after 408 illness cases

A water-treatment failure in Tshwane is linked by a joint government investigation to 408 cases of gastrointestinal illness, prompting restrictions on tap-water use in Bronkhorstspruit and nearby communities. The cases were recorded from October 7 to 18, and most patients were younger than four, officials said. Residents have been told to use the affected tap water only to flush toilets, not for drinking, cooking, washing or bathing. The City of Tshwane is distributing safe drinking water by tanker. Officials have not announced when the restriction will be lifted. The investigation found that the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works supplied water without chlorination from September 24 through October 14 after problems with its chlorine supplier. Officials also cited faulty equipment at the plant and sewage pollution affecting the Bronkhorstspruit River, a source of water for the facility. Water tests found high levels of E. coli, according to officials. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases detected norovirus, Campylobacter and Shigella in three of four patient stool samples, and found no cholera bacteria in those samples. Officials said the contaminated supply...