Water scarcity in Johannesburg has deepened into a full-blown crisis, with many families still without water for days on end. Communities from Claremont to Sophiatown and Coronationville say they feel abandoned as the city’s promises fail to translate into action.
The Daily Struggle for Water
Joburg families still without water describe desperate measures to meet basic needs. Some rely on fire hydrants, while others wait for irregular water tankers. Households in Coronationville often go weeks without reliable supply.
“We feel forgotten,” residents told the publication, stressing that wealthier suburbs still receive water while working-class areas remain dry.
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The lack of consistency has forced communities to queue late into the night or walk kilometres to fill buckets. Daily life, from cooking to schooling, is disrupted.
Infrastructure Under Severe Pressure
Johannesburg’s water crisis is not only about drought or high demand. It is also a story of ageing infrastructure and years of neglect. The City of Johannesburg admits that its non-revenue water, water lost through leaks, illegal connections, or faulty meters, stands at 46%.
Rand Water, which supplies most of Gauteng, has warned that consumption levels remain unsustainable. South Africans use about 218 litres per person per day, above the international benchmark of 173 litres.
Government Promises and Public Distrust
Mayor Dada Morero recently pledged R800 million to repair collapsing water systems and speed up maintenance. He promised that “within seven days or less, you will have full supply of water in your houses.”
However, residents say little has changed. The Mail & Guardian report highlights growing distrust in local government. Families claim the city prioritises high-income areas, while poorer communities continue to bear the brunt of shortages.
Water Tankers and Temporary Relief
The City has deployed water tankers in several affected neighbourhoods. Yet, these tankers are often late or insufficient. Some families arrive to find the tanks already empty. Others report waiting hours in long queues under unsafe conditions.
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While tankers provide short-term relief, they are not a sustainable solution. Experts argue that investing in reservoir upgrades, leak repairs, and new pipelines is urgent.
Unequal Impact on Communities
Not all areas of Johannesburg experience shortages equally. High-lying suburbs like Brixton and Coronationville are hardest hit because low pressure prevents water from reaching their taps. Informal settlements often receive no formal relief, forcing residents to improvise.
This unequal impact has deepened feelings of exclusion. Residents argue that water, a constitutional right, is being delivered unequally across the city.
Expert Warnings on Water Security
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has repeatedly warned that Gauteng’s water system is under severe strain. In its 2024 National State of Water Report, the department noted that delays in maintenance and population growth are fuelling the crisis.
Minister Pemmy Majodina recently urged residents to save water:
“We are using too much water as a nation. Municipalities must fix leaks, but households must also reduce consumption.”
Experts also warn that without urgent action, Gauteng could face long-term water insecurity.
Towards Lasting Solutions
Authorities have promised new infrastructure, including the Brixton reservoir and tower, due by the end of October 2025. However, communities remain sceptical. Many argue that past promises have not been kept.
Civil society groups are calling for stronger oversight and community engagement. They stress that transparency and accountability are essential to rebuild trust.
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Joburg families still without water are demanding more than short-term fixes. They want sustained investment, fair distribution, and honest communication. Without this, many fear that the crisis will continue to deepen, leaving more households to declare: “We feel forgotten.”
