Multiple Johannesburg suburbs to experience 8-hour water shutdown

Beginning on 7 August, Johannesburg residents will experience a temporary water disruption as Johannesburg Water performs essential infrastructure upgrades.

The interruption will last until 8 August, affecting water supply for eight hours. During this period, Johannesburg Water will install a new 600mm isolation gate valve on an existing 600mm steel pipeline, a move aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring the continuity of water supply in the region.

Affected areas include: Naturena all; Freedom Park; Devland Industrial (Coca-Cola; Sir Juice), Southfork, Eagles Nest, Meredale; Kibler Park, Mondoer ext. 2/3, Mondeor, Winchester Hills ext.1 and Alan Manor.

Johannesburg Water alternative water supply arrangements

To mitigate the impact on residents, Johannesburg Water will deploy mobile water tankers to affected areas, ensuring an alternative water supply during the interruption. This proactive measure aims to minimise inconvenience and maintain essential water services for the community.

“We understand the challenges that come with such interruptions,” said the entity.

“Our goal is to complete the installation efficiently while providing alternative water supply to residents.”

The entity emphasises the importance of these upgrades in enhancing the overall water infrastructure. The new gate valve installation will benefit customers through more reliable and efficient water delivery systems.

“This upgrade is crucial for the long-term sustainability of our water supply network,” added the entity.

Current water levels and conservation efforts

Despite the ongoing infrastructure improvements, Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) continues to advocate for water conservation. The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) remains stable, currently at 81.0%, a slight decrease from last week’s 81.5%. The Vaal Dam, a critical component of the IVRS, is currently at 49.7%, down from 50.5% the previous week. In comparison, the dam stood at 90.1% during the same period last year.

Other significant water sources, including Grootdraai Dam and Bloemhof Dam, have also experienced minor decreases in water levels. Grootdraai Dam dropped from 85.3% to 84.4% this week, compared to 91.9% last year. Similarly, Bloemhof Dam saw a decrease from 91.1% to 90.6%, down from 102% last year. Meanwhile, Sterkfontein Dam maintained its level at 98.5%, slightly lower than the 100.1% recorded last year.

Sustaining water resources

The Mohale and Katse dams in Lesotho are currently in good condition. However, Katse Dam’s water level decreased from 75.9% last week to 74.5% this week, compared to 91.9% last year. Mohale Dam’s water level remains steady at 100.8%, up from 100.7% last year. Despite these modest decreases, DWS continues to urge Gauteng residents to practice prudent water use.

“Every drop count,” the DWS department emphasised. “We need everyone’s cooperation to conserve water, especially as we work to improve our infrastructure. Additionally, we urge municipalities to address water leaks promptly.”