Two areas of Diepsloot, a township north of Johannesburg, had safe drinking water on Wednesday following sewage contamination, Johannesburg Water said.
More areas were expected to get their supply back as water quality met standards.
People in extensions two and three in Diepsloot West could now drink tap water, Johannesburg Water spokeswoman Millicent Kabwe said.
"We are still working on restoring safe drinking water to other parts of the community."
Kabwe could not say when this would happen.
"Our priority is to ensure the water is safe. Until then residents must only drink water and bath in water from specially provided water tankers."
Other areas close to Diepsloot, like Dainfern and Fourways, were not affected. "This is a very localised problem," Kabwe said.
On Wednesday the drinking water system in the township was being flushed out and chlorine added to ensure the water was safe.
"There will be water in the taps which looks clean, but residents must not drink it," Kabwe said. It could be used for laundry and gardens.
Diepsloot's drinking water system was contaminated by sewage last Thursday when a contractor upgrading infrastructure accidentally damaged water pipes.
Kabwe said anyone showing signs of diarrhoea or vomiting must immediately report to a clinic.
"Clinics are ready for people who become sick from drinking this contaminated water."
Police reinforcements were in the area to stop residents from crossing the M14 to fetch water from nearby factories. They were also controlling the distribution of water from tankers.
- Times Live
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