Rand Water tells Johannesburg to cut water use by 15%
Rand Water issued an emergency alert because its bulk supply system runs at maximum capacity. Many Johannesburg residents say they have gone days or weeks without water, while Johannesburg Water points to high losses and strain on its systems.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said several municipalities, including Johannesburg, put growing pressure on the bulk supply system through extremely high consumption. Level 1 water restrictions apply in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg Water says pipe bursts and leaks cause the city to lose 32% of its water. The city reports an average of 140 burst pipes every day. Non-revenue water costs the metro R3bn-R3.8bn a year, and the infrastructure renewal backlog is estimated at R26.6bn-R64bn.
Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said the entity will set targeted restrictions in areas with high water losses, excessive wastage and low payment. It will also step up bylaw enforcement against illegal connections.
Helen Wilson of Parktown West said 23 houses have had no water for 10 weeks, and she received a water account of R28,000 this week. Shamima Bhabha of Kensington Ridge said it cost R30,000 to drain and close her pool. Central Park business owner Nelson Fernandes said he uses 280 litres of diesel a day to run his business.
Key facts
- Who
- Makenosi Maroo (Rand Water spokesperson); Nombuso Shabalala (Johannesburg Water spokesperson); Helen Wilson (Parktown West resident without water for 10 weeks); Shamima Bhabha (Kensington Ridge resident)
- What
- Rand Water issued an emergency alert asking Johannesburg to reduce water use by 15% as its bulk supply runs at maximum capacity, while residents across Johannesburg describe days or weeks without water and Johannesburg Water cites high losses and strain on its systems.
- When
- 26 October 2026
- Where
- Johannesburg, Brixton, Mayfair West
- Status
- Reported