Joburg Water gives update on burst pipeline affecting a lot of the city

Joburg Water on Wednesday morning confirmed that emergency repairs on the Rand Water F12/F39 bulk pipeline have been successfully completed following Tuesday’s widespread water outages across Johannesburg’s northern and southern areas.

“Johannesburg Water would like to inform residents that emergency repairs on the Rand Water F12/F39 bulk pipeline have been successfully completed.

“Any circulating claims that the repairs are incomplete or have failed are false,” the utility stated.

Despite the completion of repairs, residents in affected areas may continue experiencing water supply disruptions as the system gradually recovers.

Joburg Water pipeline recovery process underway

According to Johannesburg Water, the recharging of the bulk water system is still in progress, even though Rand Water is currently operating at full pumping capacity.

On Tuesday Rand Water group chief executive Sipho Mosai said the system will recover fully by late Wednesday afternoon. However, in their announcement Joburg Water said there was no estimated time of restoration.

The emergency shutdown has impacted multiple supply systems across the city.

“Based on previous shutdowns, some systems will recover quicker than others. In this case as well, full system recovery may take several days. Residents in affected areas may experience low water pressure or no supply during this period,” the utility said.

ALSO READ: Water in parts of Joburg to be fully restored by Wednesday afternoon

Affected areas

The water disruption has impacted several reservoir systems throughout Johannesburg, including:

• Soweto.
• Commando.
• Randburg/Roodepoort.
• Deep South.

Johannesburg Water has promised to share a more detailed update on each reservoir system later this morning.

Joburg water maintenance mitigation measures

The utility said it was working to minimise the impact of the disruption on residents.

“Johannesburg Water is closely monitoring the situation in partnership with Rand Water and is actively making system configuration changes to assist with recovery wherever possible,” noted the statement.

“Reservoir outlets were closed overnight to boost levels where possible and practical. Where levels improved, outlets were opened in the morning.”

Alternative water supply arrangements are being implemented to provide relief to affected communities, with water tankers and stationary tanks being identified and deployed to critical areas.

ALSO READ: Rand Water conducts emergency repairs on burst pipe in Joburg – Here are the affected areas

Eight-hour planned maintenance

In addition to the emergency repairs, the utility announced planned maintenance in Olievenpoort Extension 40, specifically affecting Northgate Street and Valley Road.

This maintenance is scheduled for Thursday 22 May, from 8am to 4pm, and will result in a temporary water outage.

The planned work involves “tie-in of new 150mm pipeline to existing 150mm mainline” and aims to improve service delivery and ensure continuity of water supply for residents in the area.

Johannesburg Water has committed to providing additional updates as the situation develops.

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