by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Jun 23, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
23 June 2026
Customer Notice
Phase 2 of Rand Water planned maintenance scheduled for 17 July 2026
Residents are reminded that Rand Water will undertake the second phase of its planned maintenance on Friday, 17 July 2026, from 07:00 to 19:00. The work undertaken will be electrical work conducted by Eskom on Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch substation. The first phase of the maintenance took place from 29 May to 2 June 2026 and was successfully completed
As part of the maintenance, Rand Water will reduce pumping capacity from some of its systems. This will result in low water pressure to no water conditions in some Johannesburg Water systems during the maintenance period and in the recovery phase thereafter.
Once maintenance has been completed, Rand Water will resume normal pumping operations. However, the recovery of Johannesburg Water’s network will be gradual as reservoirs refill, system pressure is restored, and water supply stabilises across the network. Full system recovery is expected to take approximately five to seven days, depending on demand and system performance. Johannesburg Water will implement measures to reduce the impact on affected residents by providing alternative water where required, in coordination with Ward Councillors. Further communication, including affected areas and alternative water supply locations, will be provided closer to the maintenance date.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Jun 23, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
23 June 2026
Media Statement
Johannesburg Water Clarifies Reports Regarding Hillbrow Extortion Incident
Johannesburg Water notes with concern reports relating to the arrest of an individual in Hillbrow on 22 June 2026 for alleged extortion while posing as a municipal official.
Following an internal investigation, Johannesburg Water can confirm that the individual arrested is not an employee of Johannesburg Water. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect was in possession of an access card issued by a meter reading contractor that last provided services to Johannesburg Water approximately three years ago.
According to information received from law enforcement authorities, the suspect allegedly demanded money from a building caretaker while threatening to disconnect the water supply. The matter was reported to the authorities, who conducted an operation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
Johannesburg Water condemns any form of fraud, extortion, corruption, or misrepresentation of the entity. We remain committed to protecting residents from criminal activities carried out by individuals who falsely claim to represent the organisation.
Residents are reminded that Johannesburg Water employees and authorised contractors are not permitted to solicit or accept cash payments for services. Any person requesting payment in exchange for municipal services should be reported immediately to the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Water, or the City of Johannesburg.
Service queries can be logged through the following channels
0860 056 2874 / 011 688 1699 I fault@jwater.co.za
Facebook: Johannesburg Water I X: @JHBWater
WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaN8jUf1SWsw4kYZEF1X
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Jun 10, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
Media Statement
Date: 10 June 2026
Johannesburg Water Engages Media and Stakeholders on Approved 2026/27 Water Tariffs
Johannesburg Water participated in a media briefing session held at City Power Headquarters in Reuven, to provide media representatives and City stakeholders with an overview of the approved City of Johannesburg 2026/27 water tariffs, which will come into effect on 1 July 2026.
The session formed part of the City’s broader stakeholder engagement programme aimed at ensuring transparency and understanding of the approved tariff adjustments and the legislative framework that informs tariff-setting processes.
During the briefing, Mr Thokozani Tshabalala, Senior Manager: Finance at Johannesburg Water, guided media and stakeholders through the approved tariff structure, tariff bands, sanitation charges, demand management levies, and the key considerations that informed the tariff adjustments for the new financial year.
Mr Tshabalala explained that the approved tariffs are designed to support the sustainability of water and sanitation services, ensure cost recovery, and promote responsible water consumption across the City.
“The increase in low tariffs to conserve water is one of the key considerations provided by legislation, while ensuring that we continue to support and protect our vulnerable stakeholders. The tariff structure seeks to balance affordability, sustainability and the responsible use of our scarce water resources,” said Tshabalala.
The briefing further highlighted that the tariff model is developed in accordance with applicable legislation, municipal by-laws, and National Treasury guidelines, while taking into account the financial sustainability of essential services and the need to maintain and invest in critical water infrastructure.
Furthermore, Mr Tshabalala responded to questions regarding the Expanded Social Package (ESP) and the Water Demand Management Levy during the media briefing. Addressing the Water Demand Management Levy, he explained that Johannesburg Water cannot rely solely on revenue generated from high-consumption users to fund the maintenance and operation of its infrastructure. “This approach ensures the continued reliability of our infrastructure while promoting responsible water use and supporting equitable service delivery,” said Tshabalala.
Johannesburg Water also emphasised the importance of water conservation and demand management, noting that the tariff structure encourages responsible consumption while ensuring that basic water needs remain accessible to residents.
The approved tariffs include provisions for domestic, commercial and industrial customers, as well as sanitation services, with tariff bands structured to promote efficient water use.
Johannesburg Water remains committed to engaging stakeholders and ensuring customers are informed about tariff changes and the role they play in securing reliable and sustainable water services for the City of Johannesburg.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Apr 29, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
Media Statement
Date: 29 April 2026
Johannesburg Water Launches Brixton Reservoir and Tower Project to Strengthen Water Security
Johannesburg Water officially launched the Brixton Reservoir and Tower on 29 April 2026, marking a major milestone in strengthening water security, infrastructure resilience, and service delivery in the city. More than just infrastructure, the project represents a fully integrated system designed to augment existing capacity, improve reliability, and enhance operational flexibility
The launch was attended by Executive Mayor, Councillor Dada Morero; Minister of Water and Sanitation, Pemmy Majodina; Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi; Deputy Minister David Mahlobo; Deputy Mayor, Councillor Loyiso Masuku; Speaker of Council, Councillor Margaret Arnolds; City Manager, Dr Floyd Brink; MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Jack Sekwaila; as well as Johannesburg Water’s Board and executive management.
In her keynote address, Minister Majodina emphasised the project’s role in addressing long-standing supply constraints in the Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill systems, noting that increased storage capacity and system improvements will enhance supply stability and resilience. She reiterated that “Water is life, and water security is non-negotiable.”
The project forms part of Johannesburg Water’s broader infrastructure investment programme to increase storage capacity, stabilise system pressure, and meet growing demand. It also enables improved maintenance without widespread supply disruptions and contributes to local economic development, supporting 25 SMMEs and creating over 100 job opportunities.
Executive Mayor Dada Morero described the project as a critical step toward reliable and sustainable water services for residents and businesses.
In closing, Board Chairperson Ms Dineo Majavu thanked stakeholders and encouraged residents to use water responsibly as a shared effort to protect this vital resource.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing
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by Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Apr 7, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
Media Statement
Date: 07 April 2026
Johannesburg Water Recognised with Outstanding Stand Award at Rand Show 2026
Johannesburg Water is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Outstanding Stand Award at the Rand Show 2026, in recognition of its commitment to service excellence, customer engagement, and water conservation education.
The award highlights Johannesburg Water’s ongoing efforts to meaningfully engage with residents, provide direct assistance on service-related queries, and promote responsible water use. A key feature of the stand included an interactive pledge wall, where visitors committed to adopting water-wise behaviours in their daily lives.
The pledge wall also received high-level support, with the water conservation pledge signed by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, David Mahlobo, further reinforcing the collective commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s water resources.
Through initiatives such as these, Johannesburg Water continues to place the people of Johannesburg at the centre of its operations, ensuring that communities are informed, empowered, and supported.
Johannesburg Water extends its sincere appreciation to all residents and stakeholders who visited the stand and contributed to making this achievement possible.
Vikela Amanzi. Protect Our Tomorrow.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communications and Marketing
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.
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Issued by the City of Johannesburg
For all media enquiries, email: mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
