Is any of Cape Town’s drinking-water recycled water?

No

Is there Fluoride in Cape Town’s drinking water?

No

Is Cape Town water tested for water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid?

Yes, on occasion by City Health, but these tests do not need to be done often because our water is sourced from rainwater and mountain run-off into our dams – not from rivers that run near human settlements – and therefore, at very low risk of water-borne diseases.

Why is my water sometimes white and frothy when I open the tap?

Probably because there are air bubbles in the water, because of the high pressure in the distribution pipes that bring the water to your tap. Let the water stand for a while and it will clear.

Why is my water brown when I open the tap?

Probably because of a burst pipe in your neighbourhood; let the water run for a while and it will clear.

Why does my tap water smell like chlorine?

Chlorine is used to disinfect the water and kill any bacteria. Residual chlorine is often left in the water to prevent bacterial re-growth in the holding water reservoirs and the network of pipes that carry water from treatments plants to your tap. You can filter your tap water at home to reduce its chlorine content.

What’s that earthy taste?

That’s caused by a harmless substance called Geosmin. Geosmin is produced by algae growth and is sometimes present in dams in summer. It doesn’t taste that great, but the water is still safe to drink. Geosmin levels are monitored and tested-for every week, and water treatment is adjusted to limit its growth.