Northern Johannesburg Faces Water Shortages
Residents of northern Johannesburg are facing a double crisis, as persistent power outages have led to severe water shortages in several areas. The situation, which has lasted for over five days, has left many communities without access to a stable water supply, sparking frustration and concern among residents.
ALSO READ: EFF Protests at Johannesburg Water Offices, Demands Action on Water Crisis
Power Outages Cripple Water Infrastructure
The water crisis stems from ongoing electricity problems in Fairlands and surrounding areas, which have directly impacted Johannesburg Water’s ability to pump and distribute water. The Northcliff Pump Station and tower, crucial components of the city’s water supply network, have been severely affected by a City Power outage.
According to Johannesburg Water, “As a result of the power outage, there is currently no pumping, which will lead to water supply disruptions as the Northcliff tower is low.”
The affected neighborhoods include:
- Northcliff (Extensions 1-3, 6-8, 12, 14, 15, 25, and 30-32)
- Waterval Estate (including Extension 5)
- Greymont
- Valeriedene
Residents in these areas are experiencing anything from low water pressure to a complete loss of supply. Unfortunately, there is no estimated time for restoration, as Johannesburg Water has stated that pumping can only resume once electricity is restored.
City Power Struggles to Address Widespread Blackouts
City Power has been facing immense pressure as it struggles to resolve multiple electricity failures across Johannesburg. The Fairlands area has been particularly hard hit, with local officials reporting significant damage to infrastructure.
Local councillor Zander Shawe expressed his frustration with the ongoing outages, stating, “I finally got hold of the team leader on the ground in Fairland. They are busy in the area, as per communication on various platforms from City Power, there are 13 load centres off.”
However, Shawe also highlighted the challenges faced by repair teams, explaining that access to critical areas has been difficult, especially at night. Many of the affected properties are locked, delaying repair efforts.
Despite these efforts, residents continued to report power outages well into Sunday afternoon, with no clear resolution in sight. Over the weekend, City Power received more than 5,000 calls regarding outages, with over 100 power plants offline across Johannesburg.
Planned Water Shutoffs in Sandton Add to Residents’ Struggles
As if the ongoing crisis wasn’t enough, Johannesburg Water has announced additional planned water shutoffs in Sandton as part of its water demand management initiatives.
The planned shutdown took place on Sunday, 9 March 2025, from 18:00 until 05:00 Monday morning, affecting several key areas, including:
- Linbro Park Direct Feed
- Linbro Park Reservoir
- Marlboro Direct Feed
- Marlboro Reservoir
- Illovo Reservoir and Tower
- Bryanston Reservoir and Tower
- Morningside Reservoir
Johannesburg Water has justified these measures as necessary for ensuring balanced water distribution throughout the city’s network. However, these shutoffs have only added to residents’ frustrations, as many were already struggling with erratic water supply due to the power crisis.
“The Linbro Park and Marlboro direct feeds will be affected the most during these interventions, and all customers fed by the Sandton System may experience poor pressure to no water overnight,” Johannesburg Water stated.
A City on the Brink of Infrastructure Collapse?
The combination of persistent power outages, widespread water shortages, and planned shutoffs has left Johannesburg’s residents in a dire situation. Many believe the city’s infrastructure is buckling under the weight of mismanagement and aging utilities.
Local observers have noted that Johannesburg appears to be “strained to near collapse”, with failing water and electricity systems creating a growing crisis. While City Power and Johannesburg Water continue to assure residents that they are working on solutions, many remain skeptical about when—or if—things will improve.
For now, residents of northern Johannesburg are left waiting, hoping for power to be restored and water to flow once more.
Stay informed on the latest Johannesburg service disruptions.
