7 February 2024

Systems Update

Meredale system
Although the demand continues to be high on Rand Water’s Meredale system, some of Johannesburg Water’s reservoirs are experiencing positive outcomes as a result of internal interventions by the technical teams. Eagles Nest reservoir, which feeds the Naturena reservoir, has enjoyed improved water levels since Monday, while Doornkop West reservoir is also moving in an upward trend. The Entity will continue to throttle the Naturena and Doornkop West reservoirs overnight to build supply. Customers in this supply zone may experience poor pressure, particularly in high-lying areas. The Jabulani reservoir continues to supply on bypass mode.

The Entity continues to monitor the Meredale system while exploring possible interventions to assist in retaining water storage. Customers are requested to lower consumption and repair leaks in their properties as these also contribute to high demand.

Berea reservoir
The reservoir levels are currently critically low. Customers in the supply zone should expect intermittent water supply. The reason for the low levels is being looked into by the Entity.

Bryanston pump station and tower
Water levels in this system dropped significantly on Tuesday, 6 February due to a City Power area outage, which affected the Bryanston pump station and tower. Pumping has since improved, and the system is steadily stabilising.

Midrand system
Although the overall system is stable, the President Park reservoir is steadily moving in a downwards direction. Technical teams are exploring possible interventions.

Commando System
The system continues to be under immense strain. The Crosby reservoir is on a downwards trajectory and water levels are critically low, while both the Hursthill 1 and Hursthill 2 reservoirs are critically low. Poor pressure to no water can be expected in parts of the above supply zones. As part of Johannesburg Water’s intervention, Hursthill 1 reservoir has been reconfigured to boost supply. Hursthill 2 will be closed overnight to build capacity.

The following reservoirs will either be closed or throttled to 90% overnight (between 21:00 and 04:00) to retain water and build capacity for the next day:
• Soweto: Doornkop West and Naturena
• Commando: Brixton and Hursthill 2
• Alexandra Park
• Deep South: Orange Farm reservoir 2, Lenasia high-level, Lenasia Hospital Hill, Lawley

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.

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