6 December 2023 – 18:00
Systems Update
Johannesburg Water systems still under immense pressure due to demand outstripping supply
Due to the intense heat over the last week, there has been a significant demand on several of Johannesburg Water’s systems. This has also had a negative impact on bulk supplier, Rand Water’s reservoir levels, which are currently low. Although Rand Water is pumping and supplying, the increased demand on the entire system has resulted in reservoirs being unable to maintain capacity.
Sandton systems
Most reservoirs are currently low, while the Illovo reservoir and tower are empty. Residents in this supply zone have no water supply and water tankers have been deployed to the affected areas. The Morningside, Linbro Park and Bryanston reservoirs are also on a downwards trend with low levels while the Marlboro reservoir levels are also declining. Although the bypass mode has been activated, it is not delivering enough to replenish the Sandton systems as required. There is currently no estimated time for recovery and Johannesburg Water continues to monitor the situation.
Soweto Systems
The Soweto systems remained stable during the day under the heatwave conditions but will be affected by overnight throttling (reducing pressure and flow). The bulk supply from Rand Water is also currently restricted as a water demand management strategy. The Zondi reservoir supply is currently at 60%, while the Power Park reservoir supply is at 50%. Areas fed by the Zondi, Doornkop and Power Park reservoirs are affected by low pressure, while high-lying areas are affected by no water.
Midrand Systems
Most Midrand systems are currently stable; however, they are on a downwards trend due to increasing demand. The Rabie Ridge reservoir is experiencing high demand and water levels are low. The reservoir is currently supplying at 30% while the tower remains on bypass mode. Poor pressure can be expected in parts of the supply zone. As a mitigation strategy, Midrand reservoirs will be throttled overnight to build capacity for Thursday.
Alexander Park reservoir
Alexander Park reservoir is critically low due to increasing demand. The outlet was closed overnight to build capacity and was reopened this morning. However, customers in this supply zone will have poor pressure to no water supply, particularly in high-lying areas.
Crown Gardens reservoir
The reservoir is currently stable but on a downwards trend due to high demand, which is placing strain on the incoming supply. Johannesburg Water will throttle the reservoir overnight to build capacity for Thursday.
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to increasing demand. Poor pressure is expected in high-lying areas. Johannesburg Water is also monitoring the impact on the Alan Manor and Naturena reservoirs (which are supplied by the Eagles Nest reservoir).
South Hills tower
Due to poor incoming supply caused by high demand, the South Hills tower did not pump overnight. However, pumping resumed in the morning and low flows are coming from the tower. Customers in this supply zone may experience poor pressure to no water, particularly in the high-lying areas.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower
The reservoir is critically low. While the outlet is fully opened, poor pressure can be expected in high-lying areas of the supply zone. Johannesburg Water is also monitoring the impact at the Blairgowrie reservoir. The tower is critically low to empty and poor pressure is expected in the supply zone.
Aeroton reservoir
The reservoir is currently stable but on a downwards trend due to increasing demand. Johannesburg Water is monitoring the impact on the supply zone, including the Orlando East reservoir (Aeroton reservoir feeds into the Orlando East reservoir).
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: The reservoir levels have improved and are supplying normally.
• Brixton tower: The tower is stable and is supplying normally.
• Hursthill 1 and 2 reservoirs: Both reservoirs are currently low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zones. However, the outlets to both reservoirs are fully opened. Hursthill 1 reservoir has been configured to boost supply, while Hursthill 2 reservoir outlet will be closed overnight to build capacity for Thursday.
• Crosby reservoir: The reservoir level remains low, however it supplied normally throughout the day, while the outlets are fully opened.
The following reservoirs will either be closed or throttled to 90% overnight to retain water and build capacity.
• Sandton: Illovo, Bryanston, and Morningside
• Soweto: Freedom Park, Doornkop West, Power Park, Orlando East, and Zondi
• Brixton
• Hursthill 2
• Crown Gardens
• Alexandra Park (closed)
• Midrand: Rabie Ridge, Grand Central, President Park, Erand, and Diepsloot
The Randjieslaagte and Berea reservoirs may be throttled overnight, if necessary, due to impact of the heatwave and due to high demand. Customers supplied by these reservoirs may experience poor pressure to no flow.
Alternative water supply has been arranged through water tankers for the affected areas.
Johannesburg Water continues to monitor the above systems all the impacted systems.
Residents are requested to observe level-1 water restrictions which are implemented from 1 September to 31 March. These restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean driveways, as well as fill up swimming pools and water features between 06:00 and 18:00. Instead, the use of greywater is encouraged.
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing