Reservoirs Dry Up Amid Storm Chaos

The City of Johannesburg and its surrounding municipalities are facing a severe water crisis following a catastrophic thunderstorm on Tuesday night. The storm resulted in a power failure at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant, impacting the water supply to these areas.

This crisis has exacerbated the already strained water systems in Johannesburg and Rand Water due to high consumption levels. Johannesburg Water has issued a statement expressing concern over the situation and outlined the critical status of various reservoirs and towers in the affected areas.

Affected Reservoirs and Towers

1. South Hills Tower: The water level in this tower is critically low, and residents in the supply zone can expect poor water pressure, with no water at times. Pumping will resume once the supply pressure improves.
2. Commando System:
   • Brixton Reservoir: Water levels are critically low, and poor water pressure is expected in the supply zone. Outlet flow will be throttled overnight to build capacity.
   • Brixton Tower: The tower is currently empty, and no water is expected in the supply zone until reservoir levels improve.
   • Hursthill 1 Reservoir: Despite attempts to augment supply, the reservoir remains critically low. The supply zone is anticipated to have low pressure to no water.
   • Hursthill 2 Reservoir: Water levels are critically low due to low supply. Low pressure to no water is expected in high-lying areas. Outlet closure overnight is planned to build capacity.
   • Crosby Reservoir: Water levels are critically low, and poor water pressure to no water is expected in certain areas of the supply zone.
3. Crown Gardens Reservoir and Towers: The reservoir is critically low, leading to poor water pressure to no water in high-lying areas. Both towers are critically low, with no water expected in the supply zone until reservoir levels improve.
4. Eagles Nest Reservoir: The reservoir remains critically low, and customers in this supply zone should expect low water pressure to no water.
5. Naturena Reservoir: Water levels are critically low in this reservoir, and poor water pressure to no water is expected.
6. Alexander Park Reservoir: The reservoir is critically low, leading to poor water pressure to no water in the supply zone.
7. Berea Reservoir: The reservoir is critically low and currently on bypass mode, with low water pressure to no water expected in the supply zone.
8. Linden 1 Reservoir and Tower: The reservoir is critically low, while the tower is supplying water normally. Low water pressure to no water is expected in the reservoir supply zone.
9. Midrand Systems Update:
   • Grand Central Reservoir: Water levels are critically low, resulting in poor water pressure to no water in the supply zone.
   • Grand Central Tower: The tower’s water level is low and moving in a downward trend. Pumping will resume once the reservoir capacity improves.
   • Errand Reservoir 1 and 2: Both reservoirs are critically low, leading to poor water pressure to no water in the supply zone.
   • Errand Tower: The tower is empty and on bypass mode. Pumping will resume once the reservoir levels improve, but poor water pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
   • President Park Reservoir and Tower: Water levels are critically low, resulting in poor water pressure to no water in the supply zone. The tower is empty and on bypass mode.

Johannesburg Water has taken immediate action to provide alternative water supplies to affected customers and will strategically place water sources to mitigate the crisis.

Level 1 Water Restrictions

To address this dire situation, Johannesburg Water has urged residents to observe Level 1 water restrictions, which are currently in effect. These restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes for watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning driveways, and filling up swimming pools and water features between 06:00 am and 06:00 pm. Instead, the use of greywater is encouraged to conserve water resources.

“These measures are essential to ensure that our water systems remain stable throughout the coming months,” emphasized Johannesburg Water. The entity has also urged residents to report any vandalism or theft of water infrastructure to their dedicated hotline at 0800 00 25 87.

The severity of this water crisis serves as a stark reminder of the importance of water conservation and responsible water usage. Johannesburg and its surrounding areas will need to come together to mitigate the impact of this crisis and work towards sustainable solutions for the future.