Multiple water supply problems affect Ermelo and Wesselton
Water interruptions, low pressure and infrastructure failures are affecting several Ermelo and Wesselton areas as repair teams work to restore supply.
ERMELO – Residents in several parts of Ermelo and Wesselton may continue to experience low water pressure and intermittent water supply after multiple faults affected both the municipality’s water and electrical infrastructure on May 26.
Msukaligwa Local Municipality, said the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Usutu River Government Water Scheme was carrying out testing and repairs to its electrical system at Jericho.
The work resulted in the temporary shutdown of the raw water supply feeding the Southern Water Treatment Works.
The interruption affected areas including Nederland Park, De Bruin Park, John Vorster Park, George Botha Park, Cassim Park, New Ermelo, Autumn Ridge/Nomndeni and Ermelo Extensions 5, 18, 32, 33, 34 and 39.
Later the same day, the municipality issued a second notice confirming additional problems at the Northern Water Treatment Works.
According to the municipality, the main electricity supply from the transformer at the Northern Water Treatment Works tripped and was reported to the electricity department for urgent attention.
Municipal officials also confirmed that Airport Clear Water Pump 2 broke down due to a collapsed bearing. The matter has reportedly been handed to an external service provider for urgent repairs.
As a result, residents in all Wesselton extensions, Ermelo East, Ermelo Town, the Industrial Area and parts of Nederland Park may experience low water pressure and intermittent supply.
At 15:40 on Tuesday, reservoir levels at the Southern Water Treatment Works were recorded as:
- Old Reservoirs: 40%
- New Reservoir: 70%
- New Water Tower: 5%
The Department of Water and Sanitation estimated the Jericho interruption could last around eight hours, although officials warned that water treatment and distribution systems would require additional time to recover once supply resumes.
Residents have been urged to use water sparingly and store enough water for essential household use while repair work continues.
The municipality said further updates will be issued as more information becomes available.
