Johannesburg – Joburg Water has issued a warning regarding the high water consumption that has resulted in the city’s reservoirs and towers running dangerously low.
Amid a heat wave that has seen temperatures in Johannesburg soar to 36°C degrees, Joburg Water has asked customers to reduce consumption.
Joburg Water on Tuesday said its network in various parts of the City was severely strained due to high water demand (usage).
“The direct impact is extremely low levels within various reservoirs and towers,” said Joburg Water.
“Customers are urgently requested to lower water usage to assist with sustaining already constrained systems. Supply at Commando Road meter, Central, Sandton, Roodepoort, and Soweto systems are being monitored.”
Highly impacted systems at Joburg Water include:
1. Commando system: Crosby, Brixton, and Hursthill. All three systems are critically low to empty.
2. Soweto systems: Eagle Nest, Glenvista, and Naturena reservoirs are at critically low levels.
3. Central systems: Crown Gardens as well as Alan Manor reservoirs are at critically low levels.
“Pumps supplying Crown Gardens tower have been isolated due to low reservoir levels,” revealed Joburg Water.
“South Hills Tower is on ‘bypass supply’ due to lower supply from Rand Water’s Meyer’s Hill reservoir.
“Customers in higher-lying areas will experience low pressure/ no water during this period.”
Joburg Water urged customers to reduce consumption, “only using water for human and household needs, which will significantly assist in the recovery of the affected systems.”
Joburg Water said critical customers, such as Rahima Moosa Hospital and Helen Joseph Hospital had been impacted.
“Water is being provided through mobile tankers to the hospitals, in order to sustain their supply,” said Joburg Water.
“Alternate water supply is also being provided to other affected areas through stationary water tanks and mobile tankers. Further updates will be provided to residents.”
Joburg Water said customers should note Level 1 water restrictions were implemented from 1 September 2022 to 31 March 2023.
“We can all play a role in saving water in order to meet current and future demands. Johannesburg Water apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused.”
Commenting on the matter, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said: “Both Rahima Moosa and Helen Joseph facilities have boreholes but unfortunately this is not sufficient to keep up with the water demands at each facility.”
The GDoH said it, “wishes to inform the public and our clients at Helen Joseph Hospital and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital that due to constraints in the Johannesburg Waters network the two facilities are experiencing low water pressure, with some sections within affected more than others”.
The GDoH said Johannesburg Water was supplying water through mobile tankers and continues to deliver at an increased frequency and has isolated two towers to ensure supply to the facilities.
“Unfortunately, even with these measures, the water supply challenges persist and continue to negatively affect the smooth provision of healthcare services,” said the GDoH.
“Nevertheless, the services within the two hospitals are still running. The water supply challenge has put health care workers at the facilities under pressure as they try to mitigate against the current situation.”
The GDoH appealed to “the community to bear with us as we navigate through this challenge and also reiterates the call for the public to use water sparingly.”
