by Teboho | Mar 28, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
Media Statement
For Immediate Release
Date: 10 February 2026
Johannesburg is not at Day Zero â Water System Under Pressure but Stable
The City of Johannesburg notes the growing âDay Zeroâ 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 â poor pressure to no water expected in some zones
⢠Brixton 1 Reservoir: Supplying fairly but low â poor pressure expected
⢠Brixton 1 Tower: Low but supplying â poor pressure to no water expected
⢠Brixton 2 Reservoir: Low but supplying â poor pressure expected
⢠Hursthill 1 & 2 Reservoirs: On bypass â poor pressure to no water expected in affected areas
These are localised system management measures, not a collapse of the network.
Planned Maintenance â 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 â 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 â 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 Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Mar 3, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
3 March 2026 – 15:10
Customer Notice
A new era of water security: commissioning of the new Brixton Reservoir, Tower and Pumpstation
On 02 March 2026, Johannesburg Water commenced the final commissioning of the new
Brixton Reservoir, Tower and Pump Station Complex. The technical team continues
addressing snags on the system.
As part of the standard commissioning and quality assurance process, the reservoir was
temporarily drained in a controlled manner to allow for final internal cleaning and compliance
checks. The water was safely discharged through the existing outlet infrastructure in
accordance with operational protocols.
Once cleaning is complete, the reservoir will be refilled and a final round of water quality
sampling will be undertaken in line with regulatory requirements before full integration into
the network.
The project is a landmark development set to significantly strengthen water security within
the Commando System. This milestone marks a major step forward in ensuring reliable and
sustainable water supply to communities that have long been affected by shortages. The
game-changing project will boost much-needed water storage capacity for the Commando
System, as well as improve supply to feeder zones.
âThe Commando System is always the hardest hit by water interruptions that occur on the
Eikenhof System due to economic growth and development, ageing infrastructure, and
various other factors. This has been evident with recent increased water interruption issues
in this region, with some residents going for a long time without water,â says Johannesburg
Waterâs Managing Director, Ntshavheni Mukwevho.
âBy increasing storage capacity and enhancing pumping capability, the new infrastructure
will stabilise supply and build resilience within one of the Cityâs most pressured systems.â
The Commando System supplies water to areas such as Coronationville, Westbury,
Claremont, Bosmont, Sophiatown, Brixton, Melville, Emmarentia, Auckland Park, Greenside
Westdene, Parktown West, Fordsburg, Mayfair, Rahima Moosa and Helen Joseph hospitals,
as well as key institutions such as the University of Johannesburg and the University of the
Witwatersrand and SABC.
This project forms part of Johannesburg Waterâs ongoing efforts to ensure a consistent and
long-term water supply through the upgrading of existing infrastructure, and the provision of
new water infrastructure to create additional capacity that supports higher-density
settlements. As Johannesburg continues to grow, strategic investments such as these are
essential to future-proofing the cityâs water network.
The commissioning of the Brixton Reservoir, Tower, and Pumpstation is more than just an
infrastructure milestone â it is a symbol of progress, resilience, and service delivery in
action. It reflects Johannesburg Waterâs commitment to restoring confidence, improving
reliability, and delivering tangible solutions that directly improve residentsâ quality of life.
Johannesburg Water would like to thank residents for their continued patience during
periods of disruption. With this major upgrade now complete, the Entity is confident that the
water shortage issues customers have faced in this region will soon be a thing of the past.
Further updates are expected as further smaller aspects of the total project get concluded
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
by Teboho | Feb 10, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
10 February 2026 â 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 â 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 Malehlohonolo Mohomane | Jan 23, 2026 | Media Statements 2026
23 January 2026 – 15:00
Revenue Collection Blitz Targets Illegal Reconnection in Berea
Media Statement
The City of Johannesburg, together with Johannesburg Water and City Power, has undertaken a targeted revenue collection blitz in Berea, Region F, aimed at
addressing illegal reconnections and outstanding debt. The operation, which took place on Friday, 23 January 2026, focused on Johannesburg Water customers who collectively owe
the city millions of rands.
These customers had previously been disconnected for non-payment but unlawfully reconnected themselves, impacting the Cityâs ability to deliver equitable services.
Johannesburg Waterâs Senior Manager for Metering and Revenue, Siphindile Ngange, said the intervention was necessary to protect communities and ensure
fairness. âWhen customers reconnect services illegally, it affects the entire community.
It diverts resources away from maintaining and improving services for lawabiding residents who do the right thing by paying for municipal services,â said Ngange.
Revenue collected is reinvested into infrastructure maintenance and service improvements. âWe encourage residents who are experiencing financial difficulties to come
forward and engage with us. The City offers payment arrangements and support mechanisms, but illegal connections are not the solution,â Ngange
added.
The City of Johannesburg reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities to ensure sustainable service delivery while continuing enforcement actions against
unlawful practices.
Ends
Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
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 Johannesburgâs 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 Waterâs 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.
âBecause 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,â says Johannesburg Waterâs 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.
