Joburg Water has called on residents to use water sparingly as it is experiencing severe pressure at the reservoirs and towers due to increased water consumption.
Image: Bhekikhaya Mabaso / Independent Newspapers
Johannesburg Water has announced that it will cut water supply across the City, effective from Wednesday afternoon, from 6pm until 5am on Thursday.
This comes as reservoirs and towers are under severe pressure due to continued high consumption.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the implementation of water throttling comes as the water entity has noted an eight percent increase in water consumption between December 2024 and January 2025.
“The current water levels in Johannesburg Water’s reservoirs and towers are under severe pressure due to continued high consumption,” Shabalala said.
She noted that the past few weeks have been marked by heatwaves and rising temperatures, which have placed significant strain on the system.
“The consumption of the past week is the highest in the last 12 months. This trend is not sustainable and requires an immediate turnaround,” she said.
Shabalala said to ensure water security and safeguard the integrity of the water supply system, Johannesburg Water is required to intensify current technical interventions.
She said the daily water throttling will now be implemented from 6pm until 5am the following morning.
“This will be effective from this evening, February 5, 2025,” she said.
Shabalala pleaded with residents to work with the water entity in using water responsibly.
“It is more critical than ever that we adopt water-saving practices both in our homes and workplaces,” she said.
Shabalala said the water entity has an ongoing Water Conservation and Water Demand Management (WCWDM) Programme that addresses the dire need for a continuous and sustainable water supply and to reduce strain on Johannesburg’s water supply networks.
She said the programme includes the responsibility of the entity to conduct first-level response to isolate any physical losses emanating from leaks and bursts.
“This will not guarantee an immediate repair of the leak or burst. The entity will also ensure priority of repairs and maintenance so far as leaks and bursts are concerned,” Shabalala said.
She called on Joburg residents and stakeholders to recognise the gravity of the situation and take immediate action to reduce water usage.
“Collective efforts are essential to safeguard our water resources,” Shabalala added.
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