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Joburg water systems begin gradual recovery after long outages

Published

A large concrete dam wall holds back a reservoir under a cloudy evening sky, with trees and grass in the foreground.
by krzys16 via Pixabay

Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero said Joburg Water reports higher bulk water supply and better overall system capacity. Recovery has started at several reservoirs and towers, but he warned that it will be gradual and uneven across the city.

Morero said some communities will keep facing low water pressure and interruptions, because recovery will not be immediate. Joburg Water said some systems remained critically low. It said restoration will stay gradual and carefully managed to avoid overwhelming the network.

Some residents complained on social media that they had been without water for more than two weeks. The areas named include Bedfordview, Sandton, Midrand, Randburg, Roodepoort and Soweto.

Morero said: "I appeal to all residents to use water sparingly during this recovery period". He also urged residents to vote in the elections on 4 November.

Key facts

Who
Dada Morero (Johannesburg mayor); Joburg Water (municipal water utility, said system capacity had improved); South African Human Rights Commission (findings on the water situation in Gauteng; city welcomes its recommendations); Rand Water (water utility; city will engage it on implementation of SAHRC recommendations)
What
Morero said Joburg Water reported improved overall system capacity and increased bulk water supply, with recovery beginning at several reservoirs and towers, though recovery will be gradual and uneven. Joburg Water said some systems remained critically low, and Morero urged residents to vote in the November 4 elections.
When
2 November 2026
Where
Johannesburg, Bedfordview, Sandton
Status
Reported

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