by l3rato | Dec 8, 2023 | 2023
8 December 2023
Media Statement
Johannesburg Water outperforms Gauteng municipalities in the 2023 Blue Drop Report
Johannesburg Water has achieved the number one spot in Gauteng in supplying the best drinking water quality in the province. Johannesburg Water also rated in the top three best-performing water service institutions on the drinking water quality supply nationally.
The 2023 Blue Drop Report showed that Johannesburg Water achieved a 98.10% score, an improvement from the 96.06% score achieved in 2014. The required minimum score to achieve the Blue Drop certification status is ≥95%, which is a score considered excellent.
The Blue Drop process measures and compares the results of the performance of water service institutions.
“As Johannesburg Water, we continuously strive to provide water of the highest quality to the City’s millions of residents and customers. Through our testing laboratories, we pride ourselves in being the best water service authority in Gauteng, while ensuring that the water coming out of Johannesburg’s taps is clean, safe, and healthy to consume,” says Johannesburg Water’s Acting Chief Operations Officer, Jones Mnisi.
Johannesburg Water will continue with the service of ensuring that its residents receive excellent drinking water and prepare for the next Blue Drop audit process, which will be conducted in 2025.
The national department relaunched the Blue Drop certification programme in 2021. The incentive-based regulation is an innovative and uniquely South African response to challenges in the water sector. The Blue Drop certification mainly addresses Drinking Water Quality Management Regulation.
Ends
Issued by Johannesburg Water Communication and Marketing
by l3rato | Dec 6, 2023 | Customer Notice 2023
6 December 2023 – 10:15
Systems Update
Johannesburg Water systems under severe strain due to high demand and high temperatures
High demand due to the hot weather temperatures has led to three of Johannesburg Water’s systems coming under severe strain: the South Hills tower, the Alexander Park reservoir, as well as two Sandton direct feeds. A power trip at Rand Water’s Daleside pumpstation has also impacted Johannesburg Water’s Deep South systems.
The hot weather conditions and high demand over the last few days has depleted reservoir levels. This has also had a negative impact on bulk supplier, Rand Water’s reservoir levels, which are currently low. Although Rand Water is pumping and supplying normally, the increased demand on the entire system has resulted in reservoirs being unable to maintain capacity.
Daleside pumpstation
Following the power trip at Rand Water’s Daleside pumpstation which occurred on Tuesday, 5 December, Johannesburg Water systems were left at critically low levels. Although pumping was restored on Tuesday night, both the Ennerdale and Orange Farm reservoirs are low, while the Lawley reservoir is critically low. Customers in these supply zones will experience poor supply pressure.
South Hills tower
The South Hills tower did not pump overnight due to low tower levels, leading to the tower becoming low. However, pumping resumed in the morning and low flows are coming from the tower. Customers in this supply zone may experience poor pressure to no water, particularly in the high-lying areas.
Alexander Park reservoir
Alexander Park reservoir is critically low. Supply pressure is low, due to poor incoming supply. The outlet was closed overnight to build capacity and has been reopened this morning. However, customers in this supply zone will have poor pressure to no water supply, particularly in high-lying areas.
Sandton systems
As part of a water demand management strategy, Rand Water closed the Sandton supply, impacting the Marlboro and Linbro Park direct feeds, which may cause reduced pressure for the customers in the supply zones. However, Johannesburg Water closed the outlets overnight in order to retain some capacity. The bypass will also be opened in order to mitigate the strain on the systems. Alternative water supply will be arranged should the need arise. Please note that it can take several hours for systems to fully recover after being reopened.
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to poor supply. Poor pressure is expected in high-lying areas. Johannesburg Water is also monitoring the impact on the Alan Manor and Naturena reservoirs (which are supplied by the Eagles Nest reservoir).
Alternative water supply is being arranged through water tankers for the affected areas.
Johannesburg Water will monitor the above systems throughout the day.
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
by l3rato | Dec 6, 2023 | Systems Updates 2023
6 December 2023 – 10:30
Systems Update
Johannesburg Water systems under severe strain due to high demand and recent heatwave
High demand due to the hot weather temperatures in the past week has led to some of Johannesburg Water’s systems coming under severe strain: the South Hills tower, the Alexander Park reservoir, as well as two Sandton direct feeds. This has also had a negative impact on bulk supplier, Rand Water’s reservoir levels, which are currently low. Although Rand Water is pumping and supplying, the increased demand on the entire system has resulted in reservoirs being unable to maintain capacity.
Daleside pumpstation
Following the power trip at Rand Water’s Daleside pumpstation which occurred on Tuesday, 5 December, Johannesburg Water systems were left at critically low levels. Although pumping was restored on Tuesday night, both the Ennerdale and Orange Farm reservoirs are low, while the Lawley reservoir is critically low. Customers in these supply zones will experience poor supply pressure.
South Hills tower
The South Hills tower did not pump overnight due to low tower levels, leading to the tower becoming low. However, pumping resumed in the morning and low flows are coming from the tower. Customers in this supply zone may experience poor pressure to no water, particularly in the high-lying areas.
Alexander Park reservoir
Alexander Park reservoir is critically low. Supply pressure is low, due to poor incoming supply. The outlet was closed overnight to build capacity and has been reopened this morning. However, customers in this supply zone will have poor pressure to no water supply, particularly in high-lying areas.
Sandton systems
As part of a water demand management strategy, Rand Water closed the Sandton supply, impacting the Marlboro and Linbro Park direct feeds, which may cause reduced pressure for the customers in the supply zones. However, Johannesburg Water closed the outlets overnight in order to retain some capacity. The bypass will also be opened in order to mitigate the strain on the systems. Alternative water supply will be arranged should the need arise. Please note that it can take several hours for systems to fully recover after being reopened.
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to poor supply. Poor pressure is expected in high-lying areas. Johannesburg Water is also monitoring the impact on the Alan Manor and Naturena reservoirs (which are supplied by the Eagles Nest reservoir).
Alternative water supply is being arranged through water tankers for the affected areas.
Johannesburg Water will monitor the above systems throughout the day.
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
by l3rato | Dec 6, 2023 | Systems Updates 2023
6 December 2023 – 18:00
Systems Update
Johannesburg Water systems still under immense pressure due to demand outstripping supply
Due to the intense heat over the last week, there has been a significant demand on several of Johannesburg Water’s systems. This has also had a negative impact on bulk supplier, Rand Water’s reservoir levels, which are currently low. Although Rand Water is pumping and supplying, the increased demand on the entire system has resulted in reservoirs being unable to maintain capacity.
Sandton systems
Most reservoirs are currently low, while the Illovo reservoir and tower are empty. Residents in this supply zone have no water supply and water tankers have been deployed to the affected areas. The Morningside, Linbro Park and Bryanston reservoirs are also on a downwards trend with low levels while the Marlboro reservoir levels are also declining. Although the bypass mode has been activated, it is not delivering enough to replenish the Sandton systems as required. There is currently no estimated time for recovery and Johannesburg Water continues to monitor the situation.
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 from Rand Water is also currently 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.
Midrand Systems
Most Midrand systems are currently stable; however, they are on a downwards trend due to increasing demand. The Rabie Ridge reservoir is experiencing high demand and water levels are low. The reservoir is currently supplying at 30% while the tower remains on bypass mode. Poor pressure can be expected in parts of the supply zone. As a mitigation strategy, Midrand reservoirs will be throttled overnight to build capacity for Thursday.
Alexander Park reservoir
Alexander Park reservoir is critically low due to increasing demand. The outlet was closed overnight to build capacity and was reopened this morning. However, customers in this supply zone will have poor pressure to no water supply, particularly in high-lying areas.
Crown Gardens reservoir
The reservoir is currently stable but on a downwards trend due to high demand, which is placing strain on the incoming supply. Johannesburg Water will throttle the reservoir overnight to build capacity for Thursday.
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to increasing demand. Poor pressure is expected in high-lying areas. 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
Due to poor incoming supply caused by high demand, the South Hills tower did not pump overnight. However, pumping resumed in the morning and low flows are coming from the tower. Customers in this supply zone may experience poor pressure to no water, particularly in the high-lying areas.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower
The reservoir is critically low. While the outlet is fully opened, poor pressure can be expected in high-lying areas of the supply zone. Johannesburg Water is also monitoring the impact at the Blairgowrie reservoir. The tower is critically low to empty and poor pressure is expected in the supply zone.
Aeroton reservoir
The reservoir is currently stable but on a downwards trend due to increasing demand. Johannesburg Water is monitoring the impact on the supply zone, including the Orlando East reservoir (Aeroton reservoir feeds into the Orlando East reservoir).
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: The reservoir levels have improved and are supplying normally.
• Brixton tower: The tower is stable and is supplying normally.
• Hursthill 1 and 2 reservoirs: Both reservoirs are currently 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 Thursday.
• Crosby reservoir: The reservoir level remains low, however it supplied normally throughout the day, while the outlets are fully opened.
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
• 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 impact of the heatwave and 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 all the impacted 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
by l3rato | Dec 5, 2023 | Systems Updates 2023
5 December 2023 – 16:00
Systems Update
Sandton Systems
All reservoirs are currently stable but on a downwards trend due to poor supply. Illovo reservoir in particular is currently low, however supplying normally. As a mitigation strategy, Sandton reservoirs will be throttled overnight to build capacity. Due to poor supply pressure, the areas fed by the Sandton direct feeds, namely Marlboro and Linbro Park, may experience poor pressure. Johannesburg Water will monitor these systems overnight.
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 from Rand Water is also currently 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 Zondi and Power Park reservoirs are affected by low pressure, while high-lying areas are affected by no water.
Midrand Systems
Most Midrand systems are currently stable; however, they are on a downwards trend due to poor supply. The Rabie Ridge reservoir is experiencing high demand and water levels are low. The reservoir is currently supplying at 30% while tower remains on bypass mode. Poor pressure can be expected in parts of the supply zone. As a mitigation strategy, Midrand reservoirs will be throttled overnight to build capacity for Wednesday.
Alexandra reservoir
The reservoir is currently low but continues to supply normally. As a mitigation strategy, Johannesburg Water will throttle the reservoir overnight to build capacity for Wednesday.
Crown Gardens reservoir
The reservoir is currently stable but on a downwards trend due to poor supply. Johannesburg Water will throttle the reservoir overnight to build capacity for Wednesday.
Aeroton reservoir
The reservoir is currently stable but on a downwards trend due to poor supply. Johannesburg Water is monitoring the impact on the supply zone, including the Orlando East reservoir (Aeroton reservoir feeds into the Orlando East reservoir).
Eagles Nest reservoir
The reservoir is critically low due to poor supply. Poor pressure is expected in high-lying areas. Johannesburg Water is monitoring the impact on the Alan Manor and Naturena reservoirs (which are supplied by the Eagles Nest reservoir).
South Hills tower
Currently supplying normally; however, Johannesburg Water is monitoring the reduced supply pressure, which may affect the pumping into the tower supply zone.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower
The reservoir is currently low due to poor supply; however, it is supplying normally. The tower is empty due to poor supply and no water is expected in the supply zone.
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: The reservoir level is currently low but supplying normally. The outlet will be throttled overnight to build capacity for Wednesday.
• Brixton tower: The tower is supplying normally but may be affected by low reservoir level. Johannesburg Water teams continue to monitor the system.
• Hursthill 1 and 2 reservoirs: Both reservoirs are currently 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 Wednesday.
• Crosby reservoir: The reservoir level remains low, however it supplied normally throughout the day, while the outlets are fully opened.
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
• 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 impact of the heatwave and due to high demand. Customers supplied by these reservoirs may experience poor pressure to no flow. Alternative water supply has been arranged for the affected areas.
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
