Johannesburg is not at Day Zero – Water System Under Pressure but Stable

by Teboho | Mar 28, 2026 | Media Statements 2026

Media Statement

For Immediate Release

Date: 10 February 2026

Johannesburg is not at Day Zero – Water System Under Pressure but Stable

The City of Johannesburg notes the growing “Day Zero” narrative circulating in sections of the media and public discourse. We want to state clearly and unequivocally: Johannesburg is not at Day Zero. Day Zero refers to a complete system failure where water can no longer be supplied. Johannesburg continues to receive and distribute water across the city. However, the system remains under significant pressure due to high demand, infrastructure constraints, and ongoing supply challenges.

To intensify coordination and fast-track interventions, an Intergovernmental Water War Room has been established, bringing together the City of Johannesburg, Rand Water, Gauteng Provincial Government and national stakeholders. This structure is actively monitoring the system in real time, coordinating technical responses, accelerating repairs, and implementing demand-management measures to stabilise supply and protect critical infrastructure.

Current System Status

The Johannesburg Water Commando System is constrained, and some areas may experience low pressure to intermittent supply while technical interventions continue.

• Crosby Reservoir: Low but supplying — poor pressure to no water expected in some zones
• Brixton 1 Reservoir: Supplying fairly but low — poor pressure expected
• Brixton 1 Tower: Low but supplying — poor pressure to no water expected
• Brixton 2 Reservoir: Low but supplying — poor pressure expected
• Hursthill 1 & 2 Reservoirs: On bypass — poor pressure to no water expected in affected areas

These are localised system management measures, not a collapse of the network.

Planned Maintenance – Region B
As part of long-term system stabilisation:

• Affected Areas: Melville, Emmarentia, Richmond, Greenside, Westdene, Westcliff, Auckland Park, Parktown West
• Reason: Structural repairs to a leaking reservoir
• Impact: Supply provided via bypass during the repair period
• Benefit: Improved service reliability, continuity of supply, and reduced water losses
• Duration: Ongoing until April 2026

Unplanned Maintenance – Region E
Johannesburg Water teams are attending to a burst pipe on 1st Road, Linbro Park.

• Supply in the immediate area has been isolated to allow repairs
• Some residents may experience low pressure to no water during this period
• No estimated restoration time yet — updates will follow as repairs progress

Important Public Message

Localised interruptions and pressure management do not mean the system has failed. They are necessary steps to protect reservoirs and maintain a broader supply across the city.

Residents are strongly urged to reduce water consumption immediately and comply with current restrictions. Excessive use, especially during peak periods, places avoidable strain on the system and increases the risk of wider outages.

The City calls on all residents to partner with us:
• Save water to protect the system
• The situation will be stabilised
• The City is acting decisively
• Public behaviour matters

Panic and misinformation do not help, responsible water use does.

The City of Johannesburg will continue to provide regular, transparent updates as part of our commitment to keep residents informed and to counter misinformation.

Vikela Amanzi. Protect Our Tomorrow.

Ends

Issued by the City of Johannesburg
For all media enquiries, email: mediaqueries@joburg.org.za