31 January 2024

Systems Update

Alexander Park reservoir
The reservoir is currently under immense strain, which has reduced the amount of storage. Although capacity has been steady, it is still low. As an intervention, the reservoir is being throttled overnight to build capacity. As a result, poor pressure can be expected during this time.

Eagles Nest reservoir
Although the reservoir levels are lower than they were a week ago, storage capacity improved slightly overnight. Mitigation strategies are still ongoing to boost and retain capacity. Customers in this supply zone may be affected by low pressure, especially in high-lying areas.

Soweto system
Despite efforts to reduce excessive demand and increase capacity, the Doornkop reservoir remains low. Customers in this supply zone may experience poor pressure, particularly in high-lying areas. The Jabulani reservoir continues to supply on bypass, while the rest of the Soweto systems are stable.

However, demand is still on high on the overall Meredale system, specifically in Soweto areas. Customers are requested to lower consumption and repair leaks in their properties as these also contribute to high demand. Areas supplied by the following reservoirs will have low water pressure: Doornkop West, Protea Glen, parts of Meadowlands, and Zondi reservoirs.

Midrand
The water levels at the Development Bank reservoir have improved significantly since the beginning of the week. Water supply is now normal.

Commando System
Demand on the system continues to be high. The Crosby reservoir is still low. Although Hursthill 1 reservoir has increased slightly, it is still low. Hursthill 2 has declined and is critically low. Poor pressure to no water can be expected in parts of the supply zone. 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
• 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