“Not Suitable for Human Consumption”: Free State Gent Shows Difference Between Bottled and Tap Water

• A Free State man shared a video comparing tap water to bottled water in Bloemfontein
• The tap water looked brownish and reddish compared to the clear bottled water
• South Africans had mixed reactions, with some saying their area has the same problem
• Briefly News spoke to a health expert, Jayshri Rangasamy, on why people should not drink dirty or brown-looking water

A Free State man has sparked concern after showing the difference between tap water and bottled water in his area. The video shared by @pierre.du.plooy6, a gentleman who posts interesting facts and details on his TikTok page, on 8 December 2025, showed a shocking comparison that has got people talking about water quality.

The video started with the man opening his tap and filling a 5-litre transparent bottle with water. He placed the bottle of tap water on his sink and then showed a 5-litre bottle of water he bought from a shop. He held both bottles up to compare them side by side.

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The tap water looked brownish and a bit muddy with a slightly reddish tint, while the bottled water from the shop was completely clear. The gentleman said in the video that he doesn't think tap water is suitable for human consumption. He explained that this was tap water from Bloemfontein in the Free State.

Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, health expert Jayshri Rangasamy explained why people should not drink dirty or brown-looking water:

"Brown or dirty-looking water can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, rust, or chemicals that may cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and long-term health problems. Even if the water does not smell bad, it can still be unsafe to drink and should be avoided until it is confirmed clean."

Rangasamy also went on to discuss whether tap water is safe to drink and the other alternatives people could try. She said:

"Tap water is generally safe to drink when it is clear and supplied through properly treated municipal systems. However, if tap water looks brown, cloudy, or has a strange smell or taste, people should avoid drinking it and wait for official updates. As for alternatives, people can use boiled and cooled water, bottled water from trusted sources or filtered water as safer alternatives. Water purification tablets and home filtration systems can also help make water safer for drinking during shortages or water quality issues."

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SA reacts to water quality comparison

Netizens shared their thoughts on the water comparison video on TikToker @pierre.du.plooy6's clip:

@mavee wanted to know the location:

"Which part of Bloem?"

@brandon_johannes confirmed it happens in his area:

"That's normal here in Phase 6. I'm even fat cos of that water☺️"

@pertunia backed up his claim and wrote:

"I wish I could say he's lying, but he's not. I have experienced this for 3 months now. Navil Hill."

@pearlmjay warned people:

"Please DO NOT drink any tap water in South Africa, omg. Nooo. At night in Bloemfontein, it's worse; it's brown. I take baths, and the water is always brown."

@makatlehomatsabisamakatl had a different experience:

"It was just a temporary thing, I think there was some maintenance. It's clear again, lol."

@veddy_king shared:

"In the northern and eastern parts of Bloemfontein, water is very bad, or there's a lack thereof. In most townships, if not all, water is pure and tastes amazing."

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@pertunia agreed about the struggle:

"I am also in Bloemfontein, Nabil Hill, my water looks the same. It is a struggle to wash white clothes 🤞."

@jason_whittemore886 compared it to other areas:

"😂😂 That's still very clean compared to Welkom and Kimberley!"

@didiza10 noticed a difference:

"Noticed that the suburbs' water is not the same as kasi water, at work water is not drinkable, but at home I drink water straight from the tap."

Watch the TikTok clip below:

More about water issues in SA

• Briefly News recently reported on young boys playing in heavy KwaZulu-Natal rain by taking their surfboards out into a waterlogged yard in Southbroom.
• Lifesaving students' training in rough seas gave South Africans chest pains as they watched the intense ocean exercise unfold.
• Heavy rainfall caused flooding around a South Coast shopping centre, forcing a man to walk through knee-deep water to enter.

Source: Briefly News