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.
Ends
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.
Ends
Issued by the City of Johannesburg
For all media enquiries, email: mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
by Teboho | Feb 10, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
10 February 2026 – 16:00
Johannesburg Water employees end the unprotected strike
Johannesburg Water hereby confirms that, following constructive engagement, the unprotected SAWMU strike undertaken from Friday, 6 February 2026 has officially ended. Employees agreed to return to their workstations and resume normal operations with immediate effect. Johannesburg Water wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused over the cause of the strike.
Ends Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
For enquiries:
Nondumiso Mabuza
060 555 3156
Nondumiso.Mabuza@jwater.co.za
by Teboho | Feb 10, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
10 February 2026 – 16:00
Johannesburg Water employees end the unprotected strike
Johannesburg Water hereby confirms that, following constructive engagement, the unprotected SAWMU strike undertaken from Friday, 6 February 2026, has officially ended.
Employees agreed to return to their workstations and resume normal operations with immediate effect.
Johannesburg Water wishes to apologise for the inconvenience caused over the cause of the strike.
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
For enquiries: Nondumiso Mabuza 060 555 3156 Nondumiso.Mabuza@jwater.co.za
by Teboho | Jan 20, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
20 January 2026 – 13:30
Media Release
Infrastructure Upgrade Enhances Water Reliability in Blairgowrie, Randburg
Johannesburg Water has completed another successful major water pipe replacement project, this time in Blairgowrie, Randburg, marking a significant milestone in the City of Johannesburg’s ongoing efforts to enhance water security, reduce leaks and water wastage, and provide a more sustainable water supply for residents.
The project, which formed part of Johannesburg Water’s broader water infrastructure renewal programme, focused on replacing ageing and frequently failing asbestos cement pipelines with modern, high-quality, corrosion-resistant mPVC pipes. These upgrades were designed to reduce water losses, ensure consistent pressure, and minimise disruptive bursts.
“Because mPVC pipes are lightweight, they are much easier to install, more durable, and extremely resistant to corrosion and cracking. Compared to asbestos, mPVC pipes are far less harmful to the environment and human health because they don’t emit toxic fibres. For water and sewer infrastructure projects, mPVC is typically a more durable, safe, and sustainable option,” says Johannesburg Water’s Tsakani Ngobeni, Capex Project Manager.
The project involved the replacement of 750 meters of pipeline and included the installation of fire hydrants, valves, and domestic water meters. Key outcomes of the project include:
- Improved reliability of water supply to households and businesses in Blairgowrie
- Reduced the likelihood of pipe bursts and leaks, lowering emergency repair costs and disruption of the water supply
- Enhanced water pressure management, supporting day-to-day usage needs
- Long-term sustainability benefits, helping preserve precious water resources.
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
by Teboho | Jan 9, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: 09 JANUARY 2026
Emergency Water and Electricity Interruption – Yeoville and Surrounding Areas
The City of Johannesburg wishes to inform residents and businesses in Yeoville and the surrounding areas of an emergency situation that has resulted in the temporary interruption of both water and electricity services. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and distress this disruption may cause, particularly given the short notice.
A major burst water pipe has occurred on the main supply line feeding the Yeoville Reservoir. This has already impacted water supply in the area, with customers experiencing low water pressure or a complete loss of water.
To allow repair teams to work safely, the electricity supply in the immediate vicinity of the burst will be temporarily switched off from 22h00 this evening. The damaged water pipe is located extremely close to high-voltage underground electricity cables, and keeping the power on during excavation would pose a serious risk to the lives of personnel on site.
This temporary power interruption is therefore a critical safety measure to protect workers and prevent further damage to essential infrastructure.
Areas affected by the electricity interruption include:
- Yeoville
- Grafton Road
- Fortesque Street
- Harley Street
Areas that may experience low water pressure or no water include:
Yeoville, Bellevue, Observatory, Linksfield, Berea, Doornfontein, Jeppestown, Fairview, Troyville, parts of Kensington, Braamfontein, Parktown, Johannesburg CBD, Newtown, Selby, Forest Hill, Turffontein, Rosettenville, La Rochelle, Turf Club, Kenilworth, Glenesk, Regents Park and Village Deep.
Water reservoir levels in the affected supply zone continue to decline, and pumping operations have been temporarily suspended while emergency repairs are underway.
At this stage, an exact time for full restoration cannot yet be confirmed. However, repair teams are working continuously, with the intention of restoring both water and electricity services by Saturday morning, subject to repair conditions.
Teams from City Power and Johannesburg Water are working closely and in coordination to resolve the matter as safely and efficiently as possible. Residents will be kept informed through regular updates as progress is made.
We thank residents and businesses for their patience and understanding during this emergency. Ensuring the safety of our communities and the personnel working to restore services remains our highest priority.
Issued by the City of Joburg
For enquiries, kindly send to mediaqueries@joburg.org.za
ENDS
