Govt raises concern over unregulated water tankers

Govt raises concern over unregulated water tankers Zandile.Khumalo Mon, 10/26/2026 - 17:45

File: Buckets being filled with water from a water tanker. Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi

PRETORIA - Government says it is concerned about the source of water supplied by some private tanker operators.

Currently, the City of Tshwane has deployed 36 water tankers to help restore access to safe water in Bronkhorstspruit.

This is as an investigation into the interruption of chlorine supplies and the failure to warn residents in time continues.

But government has noted the emergence of private tanker operators, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile saying there will be intervention to follow up on those water tankers.

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The same concerns were flagged by Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, who said some of the private tankers are not regulated.

She said this is not only unique to Tshwane but across the country.

“When people see water in a desperate environment, they will buy water everywhere, not knowing whether that water has been treated…”

Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya said Tshwane Metro Police Department has received all registration numbers to follow up on the water tankers around to ensure they know where they source the water and who has tested it.

**READ | **Bronkhorstspruit Water Crisis: Tshwane deploys 36 water tankers

To date, the city has temporarily shut down the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant to allow for cleaning and the installation of equipment.

It has also begun flushing and disinfecting the affected water network and is conducting daily water-quality tests.

More than 800 Bronkhorstspruit residents have been affected by gastrointestinal illness, with three people hospitalised.