Understanding the Causes of Brown Tap Water and Upcoming Repairs Across the City
Johannesburg residents may notice brown tap water flowing from their sinks and basins due to ongoing maintenance on the water system, Johannesburg Water confirmed this week. This phenomenon, though concerning at first glance, is no cause for alarm.
Brown Water Explained
According to Johannesburg Water, the discolouration is caused by calcified mineral deposits in older pipes. These deposits are typically flushed out when taps are left running for a short period. The utility assured customers that allowing water to flow for a few moments not only clears the deposits but also allows trapped air to escape, which may initially exacerbate the issue.
“Customers may note brownish water when opening their taps in the morning when water returns. This phenomenon is not uncommon and can be resolved by letting the taps run for a little while,” Johannesburg Water said in a statement.
Current Maintenance Work and Affected Areas
The brown water issue follows unplanned outages and maintenance in several parts of Johannesburg. One notable ongoing repair involves a burst pipe in Killarney, which has impacted nearby suburbs such as:
- Houghton
- Orange Grove
- Abbotsford
- Saxonwold
These repairs, delayed due to a shortage of materials, are expected to conclude by 4 PM on Monday.
Upcoming Maintenance Projects
Johannesburg Water has also announced planned maintenance at the Hector Norris Pump Station, starting on Friday at 6 PM and running until February 3. This operation will involve installing new isolation valves and will cause a water outage in numerous areas, including:
- Johannesburg CBD, Newtown, and Jeppestown
- Southern suburbs like Turfontein, Kenilworth, and Rosettenville
- Northern suburbs such as Parktown, Hyde Park, and Saxonwold
Residents in affected areas are advised to prepare in advance as water supply will be temporarily unavailable.
Additionally, Protea Glen will undergo maintenance on February 11, from 7 AM to 7 PM, as PRV components are retrofitted. Water tankers will roam the area to provide an alternative water supply.
How to Handle Brown Tap Water
For residents experiencing brown water after maintenance, Johannesburg Water recommends:
- Running taps for a few minutes to flush out mineral deposits.
- Collecting water beforehand if you anticipate outages.
Staying Informed
For updates on maintenance schedules and affected areas, visit the Johannesburg Water website or follow their social media channels.
Also read: SA Water Crisis: Joburg Residents Still Without Water Following Maintenance Delays
