6 December 2023 – 10:15
Systems Update
Johannesburg Water systems under severe strain due to high demand and high temperatures
High demand due to the hot weather temperatures has led to three of Johannesburg Water’s systems coming under severe strain: the South Hills tower, the Alexander Park reservoir, as well as two Sandton direct feeds. A power trip at Rand Water’s Daleside pumpstation has also impacted Johannesburg Water’s Deep South systems.
The hot weather conditions and high demand over the last few days has depleted reservoir levels. 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 normally, the increased demand on the entire system has resulted in reservoirs being unable to maintain capacity.
Daleside pumpstation
Following the power trip at Rand Water’s Daleside pumpstation which occurred on Tuesday, 5 December, Johannesburg Water systems were left at critically low levels. Although pumping was restored on Tuesday night, both the Ennerdale and Orange Farm reservoirs are low, while the Lawley reservoir is critically low. Customers in these supply zones will experience poor supply pressure.
South Hills tower
The South Hills tower did not pump overnight due to low tower levels, leading to the tower becoming low. 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.
Alexander Park reservoir
Alexander Park reservoir is critically low. Supply pressure is low, due to poor incoming supply. The outlet was closed overnight to build capacity and has been reopened this morning. However, customers in this supply zone will have poor pressure to no water supply, particularly in high-lying areas.
Sandton systems
As part of a water demand management strategy, Rand Water closed the Sandton supply, impacting the Marlboro and Linbro Park direct feeds, which may cause reduced pressure for the customers in the supply zones. However, Johannesburg Water closed the outlets overnight in order to retain some capacity. The bypass will also be opened in order to mitigate the strain on the systems. Alternative water supply will be arranged should the need arise. Please note that it can take several hours for systems to fully recover after being reopened.
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to poor supply. 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).
Alternative water supply is being arranged through water tankers for the affected areas.
Johannesburg Water will monitor the above systems throughout the day.
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