Johannesburg Water is currently experiencing water supply disruptions across Soweto, Randburg, Roodepoort, and other areas due to a power outage at the Eikenhoff Sub-Station, which has impacted the Eikenhoff Pump station. While teams are working to fix the issue, there are no estimated completion times yet, and residents are urged to use water sparingly. Joburg Water is deploying water tankers to affected areas, and updates are available on its social media pages and website.
Current situation
- Cause: A fire at the Eikenhoff Sub-Station resulted in a power outage that has affected the Eikenhoff Pump station and is impacting water supply.
- Affected Areas: Greater Roodepoort/Randburg, Langlaagte/Southdale, Soweto, Krugersdorp, and the city center are among the areas with disruptions.
- Impact: All areas receiving direct supply from Rand Water are heavily impacted, with reservoirs being throttled to preserve infrastructure.
- Status: Johannesburg Water teams are on-site to assess the damage after the area is declared safe by City Power technicians. There is no estimated time for completion.
Important information
- Water tankers: Water tankers have been deployed to strategic areas like clinics, schools, and municipal offices.
- Water restrictions: Level 1 water restrictions are in place, meaning watering gardens is not allowed between 6 am and 6 pm during the summer months (September 1 to March 31).
- Stay informed: For the latest updates, follow Johannesburg Water on Facebook and Twitter (@jhbwater), or visit their website at www.johannesburgwater.co.za.
The affected Region B areas include:
- Cresta
- Jacanlee
- Robindale
- Robindale Ext 4
- Robin Hills
- Darrenwood
- Aldara Park
- Randpark Ext. 2, 3, 4 & 5
- Windsor West
- Windsor Glen
All streets in these areas will be affected during the maintenance period.
Region F, covering Johannesburg’s central business district and surrounding areas, will experience water supply interruptions from 14 November at 12pm until 16 November at 8pm.
The maintenance work involves installing valves at the bypass chamber and pump station, including tie-in work.
Johannesburg Water confirmed that residents in the CBD, Newtown, Selby, Jeppestown and Doorfontein should expect “low pressure to no water” across all streets during this period.
The utility emphasised that the work will result in “improved service delivery, continuity of water supply, and reduction of unaccounted for water.”
Northern suburbs face single-day shutdown
Residents in Region A’s northern suburbs will experience a shorter but complete water outage on 13 November from 09am to 4pm.
Johannesburg Water explained that the interruption is necessary for the commissioning of new water infrastructure in the area.
The affected areas include:
- Riversands Primary
- Riverside View Ext. 59, 38, 37, 13, 42, 90, 15, 83, 82, 80, 81, 36, 91
- Kleve A.H.
- Riversands Farm Village
Specific streets affected are Caracal Road, Incubation Drive, Rose Road, School Road and Riversands Boulevard.
Johannesburg Water has arranged three temporary water supply points for affected residents.
These points are at:
- Corner of School Road and Riversands Boulevard,
- The corner of Rose Road and Riversands Boulevard, and
- The corner of Caracal Road and Riversands Boulevard.
Improved service delivery promised
Johannesburg Water has justified the disruptions by highlighting the long-term benefits for residents.
According to the utility, all three maintenance projects will result in “improved service delivery and continuity of water supply” for affected areas.
It urged residents to store sufficient water ahead of the planned outages and to use water sparingly during periods of reduced pressure.
