9 December 2023 – 16:05
Systems Update
Johannesburg Water is observing a high demand across the system, which is affecting the bulk supply.
Soweto Systems
The Soweto systems remained stable during the day under the heatwave conditions but will be affected by overnight throttling (reducing pressure and flow). The bulk supply remains restricted as a Water Demand management strategy. The Zondi reservoir supply is currently at 60%, while the Power Park reservoir supply is at 50%. Areas fed by the Zondi, Doornkop and Power Park reservoirs are affected by low pressure, while high-lying areas are affected by no water. Bramfischerville is supplying at 50%, and poor pressure to no water is expected most parts of the area. Customers in phases 7 and 9 currently have no water supply. Protea Glen tower and direct feeds – certain areas of the supply zone should expect poor pressure to no water. Johannesburg Water is investigating, and further updates will be provided.
Alternative water supply is being provided to the affected areas.
Midrand Systems
Most Midrand systems are currently stable, however, the Rabie Ridge reservoir is experiencing high demand and water levels are currently low. The reservoir is currently supplying at 30% while the tower remains on bypass mode. Poor pressure to no water can be expected in parts of the supply zone including Klipfonteinview. As a mitigation strategy, Midrand reservoirs will be throttled overnight to build capacity for the next day.
Alexander Park reservoir
The reservoir is critically low – the reservoir improved overnight and supplied normally during the day. However, levels have since dropped due to high demand and is currently low. As a mitigation strategy the outlet will be closed overnight to build capacity.
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to increasing demand and poor supply pressure. Poor pressure is expected in high-lying areas; however, the system has been reconfigured to boost the supply. Johannesburg Water is also monitoring the impact on the Alan Manor and Naturena reservoirs (which are supplied by the Eagles Nest reservoir).
South Hills tower
The tower is currently empty and supplying through bypass mode. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone, especially in high- lying areas. Normal pumping will resume as soon as the supply pressure improves. Johannesburg Water is monitoring the system and further updates will be provided.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower
The reservoir level remains low but is supplying normally. While the outlet is fully opened, poor pressure can be expected in high-lying areas of the supply zone. The tower is critically low, poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone, and improvement is expected overnight.
Johannesburg Water is monitoring the situation, and alternative water supply through water tanker services is ongoing.
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: The reservoir remained stable during the day and is currently supplying normally.
• Brixton tower: The tower reservoir remained stable during the day and is supplying normally.
• Hursthill 1 and 2 reservoirs: Both reservoirs are critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zones. However, the outlets to both reservoirs are fully opened. Hursthill 1 reservoir has been configured to boost supply, while Hursthill 2 reservoir outlet will be closed overnight to build capacity for tomorrow.
• •Crosby reservoir: The reservoir levels have improved and is supplying normally.
The following reservoirs will either be closed or throttled to 90% overnight to retain water and build capacity.
• Sandton: Illovo, Bryanston, and Morningside
• Soweto: Freedom Park, Doornkop West, Power Park, Orlando East, and Zondi
• Commando: Brixton, Hursthill 2
• Crown Gardens
• Alexandra Park (closed)
• Midrand: Rabie Ridge, Grand Central, President Park, Erand, and Diepsloot
• The Randjieslaagte and Berea reservoirs may be throttled overnight if necessary due to high demand.
Customers supplied by these reservoirs may experience poor pressure to no flow. Alternative water supply has been arranged through water tankers for the affected areas. Johannesburg Water continues to monitor the above systems.
Residents are requested to observe level-1 water restrictions which are implemented from 1 September to 31 March. These restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean driveways, as well as fill up swimming pools and water features between 06:00 and 18:00. Instead, the use of greywater is encouraged.
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing