Customer Notice 2 May 2025
Johannesburg Water disconnects illegally connected hijacked buildings in inner-city operation
9 April 2025 – 15:15
Media Release
Johannesburg Water disconnects illegally connected hijacked buildings in inner-city operation
In a joint operation between the City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Water, and City Power, the entities clamped down on illegal activities and bylaw infringement in Johannesburg CBD today.
Johannesburg Water and City Power officials disconnected illegally connected hijacked buildings as part of the bigger Inner-City Revitilistion Programme, which aims to tackle service delivery challenges and transform derelict and unsafe buildings.
“This follows President Ramaphosa’s recent visit to the City, where he noted the need to strengthen law enforcement and bring the City back to its world-class status,” says Nombuso Shabalala, Spokesperson for Johannesburg Water.
Officials from Johannesburg Water implemented Level 3 disconnections, which ensure that buildings cannot illegally re-connect until services are paid for.
“The lawlessness identified in the CBD include illegal water and electricity connections, hence the need for a joint operation between Johannesburg Water and City Power, who were accompanied by members of the South African Police Service, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, and Gauteng Community Police Forum to assist with possible resistance from the community.
Today’s operation is one of many that are planned by the City in the next coming months.
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Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
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Theft and vandalism of water infrastructure in Johannesburg is crippling effective service delivery
8 April 2025 – 15:45
Media Release
Theft and vandalism of water infrastructure in Johannesburg is crippling effective service delivery
Johannesburg Water is facing significant challenges due to the ongoing theft and vandalism of vital water infrastructure, which is severely hampering the delivery of essential services to communities. Critical assets like pipes, pumps, and manholes are frequently targeted, disrupting and hindering reliable water supply and sanitation services for residents and businesses.
“These acts of vandalism not only compromise service delivery but also pose a grave danger to public safety. Tragically, missing manhole covers have led to the loss of lives, with families mourning loved ones who have fallen victim to these hazards. This senseless destruction is costing both lives and livelihoods, and urgent action is required to address the issue,” says Mzakhe Mtshweni, Johannesburg Water’s General Manager: Operations.
Additionally, external factors such as consumer behaviour and social awareness play a significant role. For instance, public ignorance or misuse of infrastructure often leads to its abuse and vandalism, further impacting Johannesburg Water’s operations and finances. On average, the Entity spends about R20 000 per day on a jetting machine to clear a blocked sewer line where people have disposed of foreign objects in the system.
Nevertheless, mitigations are in place and some in the process of being implemented to prevent infrastructure theft and vandalism.
Johannesburg Water will enhance security measures at high-risk areas by implementing physical and electronic protection systems. These efforts include crime deterrence through improved lighting, real and dummy CCTV cameras, and collaboration with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department for rapid response.
In addition, the Entity will roll out smart manhole covers with sensors at strategic locations. These covers will be monitored 24/7, allowing for immediate response if tampered with, either preventing theft or enabling quick replacement.
“The ongoing theft and vandalism of Johannesburg’s water infrastructure is crippling service delivery and putting lives at risk. Johannesburg Water is tackling these issues by enhancing security, raising public awareness, and working with law enforcement. With investments in infrastructure upgrades and smart technologies, the Entity is focused on restoring reliable services and protecting its assets.
“However, lasting change will require collective action from both the community and authorities to prevent further damage and ensure the continued delivery of safe and sustainable water services,” concludes Mtshweni.
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Issued by: Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
Johannesburg Water’s Pressure Reducing Valve Programme alleviates strain on the City’s network
20 March 2025 – 15:15
Media Release
Johannesburg Water’s Pressure Reducing Valve Programme alleviates strain on the City’s network
To effectively manage water demand and minimise losses while ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply, one of Johannesburg Water’s key initiatives is the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Programme.
This programme, part of Johannesburg Water’s ongoing Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Programme (WCWDM), is designed to alleviate strain on the city’s water supply networks. A critical component of this effort is the maintenance and management of PRVs.
This initiative focuses on reinstating and refurbishing conventional pressure-reducing valves that are currently non-operational due to vandalism and technical faults.
“Additionally, the organisation plans to install smart pressure controllers on key network zonal PRVs. These controllers will help manage pressure more effectively, reducing the incidence of bursts and leaks. Together, these interventions aim to lower high pressures in the system, ultimately decreasing minimum night flows and water losses,” explains Logan Munsamy, senior manager for WCWDM and Technical Metering.
The WCWDM Programme also addresses other issues, such as leaking reservoirs, on-property customer leaks, and the ageing infrastructure that contributes to water loss. Johannesburg Water aims to reduce water demand by 37,123 million litres per annum through these technical interventions, complemented by its water conservation initiatives.
“PRVs are essential components of the water supply system. Installed inline within pipelines, they regulate downstream pressure to ensure a consistent water supply over long distances, even through pipes of varying diameters. Proper pressure management not only ensures efficient distribution, but also helps reduce physical losses, especially in older infrastructure. Therefore, maintaining PRVs is a critical focus area.”
Each region in Johannesburg Water’s Networks Department conducts PRV maintenance with a dedicated special services team, led by an operations manager and skilled artisan fitters, responsible for both reactive and preventative maintenance of PRVs. Given the valuable materials used in PRVs, such as brass and copper, securing these components is vital to prevent theft and vandalism.
Johannesburg Water currently operates a total of 730 PRVs within the network. However, some of these valves are bypassed due to vandalism or require some maintenance and repairs. To address this, the company has established a framework contract to procure spare parts, enabling its teams to repair and reinstate PRVs more efficiently.
In addition, the Entity is implementing a project to install smart controllers in high-consumption PRV zones. In the 2023/24 Financial Year, 15 units were installed, with plans underway to install an additional 12 units in the current financial year.
Through its PRV Programme and other initiatives, Johannesburg Water is dedicated to enhancing water management, minimising losses, and providing a reliable water supply for all residents.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
Johannesburg Water pumps R92 million into new Erand Tower and Pump Station infrastructure project to boost water supply in Midrand
12 March 2025 – 17:00
Media Statement
Johannesburg Water pumps R92 million into new Erand Tower and Pump Station infrastructure project to boost water supply in Midrand
Johannesburg Water has invested R92 million into a new infrastructure project that will help boost water supply into the Midrand area.
Construction of the new Erand Tower and Pump Station project is currently underway and will serve as additional capacity to the existing Erand Reservoir complex.
Part of the existing Midrand system consists of the Erand Reservoir site, which comprises a 25 Megalitre (ML) capacity reservoir, a 9ML capacity reservoir, as well as a pump station. The existing pump station sources water from the 9ML reservoir and delivers it to a 0.5ML capacity water tower elevated to 30m above ground level to produce the required hydrostatic pressure for the distribution of potable water to the local communities.
“The Johannesburg Water Master Plan proposed a new and upgraded water pump station which will supply both the new 2ML water tower and the 0.5ML existing tower,” explains Johannesburg Water’s Project Manager, Pfunzo Mudzanani.
“To increase water storage capacity of the existing system, specifically for higher lying areas, and to unlock the Midrand area for further development, Johannesburg Water is building a new 2ML water tower and pump station. This will increase the current storage capacity as a result and will provide a water network with adequate capacity to meet both present and ultimate demands.”
The construction of the new Erand Tower and Pump Station forms part of the Entity’s Reservoir Storage Upgrade Programme, which aims to ensure the provision of a 24-hour storage capacity in all the Entity’s reservoirs. The project is currently about 60% complete, and upon completion, will boost water supply in Carlswald, Blue Hills, Kyalami, and Barbeque Downs.
The storage capacity is required to mitigate against service disruption should network bursts occur or should there be a supply disruption from the bulk supplier, as well as maintaining adequate supply pressure in the reticulation system.
Scope of works:
- Construction of a new 30m high elevated reinforced concrete water tower with a capacity of 2ML. This includes the design and construction of piles, ground beams, shaft walls, columns, radial beams and a cylindrical water tank.
- Construction of a new pump station housing four pumps each, with a head of 37m drawing water from the existing 25ML reservoir and delivering to both the new and existing water towers, including all the necessary appurtenances and control systems.
- Installation of all inlet and outlet pipework from the reservoir to the pump station and connecting to the existing distribution network.
- Cathodic Protection and Telemetry requirements.
- Installation of power supply to the new pump station as well as installation of a standby generator and lightning protection.
- Construction of new manholes and inlet and outlet chambers.
- Construction of paving around the pump station and tower.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.
Johannesburg Water to continue operations on illegal water connections in Emndeni, Soweto
14 November 2024
STRICTLY UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 15 NOVEMBER AT 09:00
Media Statement
Johannesburg Water to continue operations on illegal water connections in Emndeni, Soweto
Johannesburg Water will proceed with its planned operation to disconnect illegal water connections in Emndeni, Soweto (Region D) on Friday, 15 November 2024. This follows a similar operation in the Phumla Mqashi area on Tuesday, 13 November.
The operation is part of Johannesburg Water’s ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by unauthorised connections, which undermine the integrity of the city’s water network and contribute to water wastage.
Given the potential risks associated with this operation, including possible community resistance and unrest among affected residents, Johannesburg Water is reviewing security measures to ensure the safety of employees and the success of the operation.
To support these efforts, Johannesburg Water Security, along with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), South African Police Service (SAPS), and Public Order Policing Services (POPS), will be on standby.
These precautions are in place to ensure a safe, effective operation while addressing the critical issue of illegal water connections.
The meeting point will be Avalon Prepayment Depot, 1 Calendula Road, Klipspruit West (opposite the Pikitup Depot) at 09:00.
For media queries, contact Nombuso Shabalala on 083 604 4072.
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Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing.