ETHEKWINI Municipality is attending to a water supply interruption affecting areas supplied by the Wiggins Water Works High Lift Pump Station today (February 6).

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The interruption has been caused by low system pressures and exceptionally high water demand, which has been exacerbated by the ongoing heatwave. Affected areas include the Durban Old Airport, Isipingo Beach, Prospecton Industrial, Reunion, and communities between Mobeni and The Bluff. Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana said sustained demand has placed severe pressure on the water distribution system.

“Prolonged high water usage has resulted in reservoirs being unable to maintain healthy operating levels, which has affected supply to certain areas,” said Sisilana. She explained that high-lying and elevated areas are particularly vulnerable during such conditions, as they rely heavily on sufficient reservoir levels and pressure to receive a consistent water supply.

She said technical teams from the Water Services Directorate are closely monitoring the system and implementing operational interventions aimed at stabilising reservoir levels.

“These interventions include inspections of pipe routes, valve chambers, line valves, air valves and other critical infrastructure to identify and address any issues that may be contributing to reduced supply pressure,” she said.

Sisilana added that investigations and inspections may take several days to complete, and any problems identified will be addressed according to operational requirements.

In the interim, water tankers will be deployed to provide relief to affected communities.

The municipality has appealed to residents to reduce water consumption during this critical period.

“Responsible water use is essential to support reservoir recovery and ensure fair distribution of water across all affected areas,” Sisilana said.

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