Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Johannesburg's tap water is considered safe to drink, meeting South African National Standards (SANS) for drinking water quality.
Regular testing ensures water quality meets standards, and treatment plants remove contaminants and pathogens.
However, some areas may experience intermittent issues; it's recommended to check with local authorities for any advisories.
South Africa is ranked as number 144 globally with a score of 25.3% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Johannesburg's tap water primarily comes from the Vaal River System, including the Vaal Dam and Vereeniging Dam.
Additional sources include the Klip River and local dams, such as the Rietvlei and Zuikerbosch Dams.
Rainwater harvesting and groundwater may also contribute to the supply, particularly during times of drought or water scarcity.
Many public drinking fountains in Johannesburg are safe to use, as they are connected to the municipal water supply.
Fountains at popular tourist areas, shopping centers, and public buildings are often well-maintained and regularly tested.
However, it's always a good idea to check the fountain's condition and cleanliness before drinking from it.
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Johannesburg. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.