Midrand water supply remains most affected after Rand Water maintenance
Despite bulk water being restored citywide, Midrand remains at the centre of the water crisis as critically low reservoirs and empty towers continue to disrupt supply.
Johannesburg Water has confirmed that the Midrand water supply system remains the most affected following recent Rand Water maintenance, despite the bulk water supply being restored to the city.
While several water supply systems across Johannesburg are gradually stabilising, the Midrand system continues to experience significant challenges and has not yet fully recovered. Johannesburg Water said, however, that the area has been prioritised in ongoing recovery efforts.
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In a statement, the utility explained that reservoir and water tower levels in the Midrand supply zone remain critically low, resulting in intermittent water supply, low pressure, or no water in some areas.
“This is due to the size and complexity of the Midrand system, which requires extended time to recharge after a planned maintenance operation of this magnitude,” states Johannesburg Water.
According to the latest update, several key Midrand reservoirs and towers remain under severe strain. The Rabie Ridge Reservoir has shown slight recovery and is supplying water, but the associated tower remains empty. The Randjesfontein Reservoir and Tower have also recorded limited recovery, with the tower still empty.
The President Park Reservoir is reported to be critically low to empty, while the Grand Central Reservoir is at an average level. However, its tower remains empty, and pumps are currently switched off. The Erand Reservoir and Tower are also critically low or empty.
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To accelerate recovery, Johannesburg Water, in collaboration with Rand Water, has implemented targeted operational interventions. These include controlled outlet management, system balancing, and the release of trapped air in the network to enable reservoirs to recharge and stabilise.
Meanwhile, other areas affected by the maintenance, including South Hills, Alexandra Park, Sandton, and Linksfield, have largely recovered and are now stable.
Johannesburg Water said alternative water supply through stationary and roaming water tankers will remain in place in Midrand until systems stabilise and a normal water supply is fully restored.
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