Johannesburg Water (Joburg Water), the city’s water and sanitation utility, recently provided an important update on the current state of Johannesburg’s water supply system. They detailed extensive efforts to stabilise and upgrade critical infrastructure across the metro. These plans are designed to address ageing assets, reduce water losses, and meet increasing demand. This will ensure reliable and equitable water services for all residents.
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Table of contents
- Current Water Supply Challenges
- Key Infrastructure Projects Underway:
- a. Crosby Pump Station and B Line Pipeline
- b. Brixton Reservoir and Tower
- c. Reservoir Refurbishments
- d. Borehole Scheme to Support Informal Settlements
- e. Treated Effluent Reuse Project
- Investment and Long-Term Strategy
- Community Engagement and Service Continuity
- Improving Service Delivery
Current Water Supply Challenges
The system currently relies heavily on upstream water reservoirs which fluctuate in capacity. Johannesburg Water officials explained that when reservoir levels fall approximately below 40%, the supply struggles to meet demand, creating instability. Building resilience through infrastructure upgrades is essential to operate independently of high reservoir water levels and provide continuous water supply services.
The entity’s managing director Ntshavheni Mukwevho says about 22 reservoirs need attention.
“There are 22 reservoirs that are outside the norm, which are part of our plan, where we will be doing the work in the current financial year. We are really in the process of getting contractors appointed, and we are aiming that by November, we should’ve appointed the contractors that will be working all 17 reservoir complexes that comprise of 22 reservoirs.”
Key Infrastructure Projects Underway:
Johannesburg Water is implementing key infrastructure projects to enhance the resilience, capacity, and reliability of the city’s water supply system. Collectively, these projects align with Johannesburg Water’s long-term investment strategy. The aim is to secure water supply, manage demand effectively and efficiently, this supports the city’s growing population and economic development goals.
a. Crosby Pump Station and B Line Pipeline
Construction is progressing on the Crosby Pump Station and new B Line pipeline, which will connect the Rand Water endpoint directly to Johannesburg. This will improve supply reliability. Work began several months ago and is approximately 8% complete, with completion expected by December 2026.
b. Brixton Reservoir and Tower
The Brixton Reservoir and Tower project is close to completion, with commissioning planned for October 2025. This expansion will enhance water storage and pressure, benefiting surrounding communities.
c. Reservoir Refurbishments
Refurbishment works are planned for the H2 and H1 reservoirs. Contractors have been appointed for H2, with work imminent. Meanwhile, refurbishment of H1 will begin in November 2025, strengthening storage capacity city wide.
d. Borehole Scheme to Support Informal Settlements
To combat illegal water connections and improve supply in informal settlements, Johannesburg Water launched a localized borehole scheme. Contractors were appointed in July 2025, with drilling scheduled to commence by the end of September. This will secure more reliable water access in these vulnerable communities.
Mukwevho says they’ve partnered with several entities for the project.
“We appointed partners to really assist us in implementing this. They were appointed at the end of July, and we are happy to report that the drilling of the first borehole will be starting before the end of this month.”
e. Treated Effluent Reuse Project
In partnership with G-Tech and supported by the National Treasury, Johannesburg Water is advancing a public private partnership to reuse treated wastewater from the Northern Works plant. The planning phase will conclude in May 2026, paving the way for implementation. This allows for sustainable water use in irrigation, industry, and potentially potable applications.
Investment and Long-Term Strategy
Johannesburg Water’s 10-year investment plan targets R32.5 billion for infrastructure upgrades, renewals, and wastewater treatment improvements. The current financial year allocates R1.75 billion, marking a significant increase from previous budgets. This reinforces the city’s commitment to resolving water service challenges.
Priority areas include reducing water demand through conservation and leak detection, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing wastewater treatment.
Community Engagement and Service Continuity
Johannesburg Water emphasises clear communication with residents regarding the planned maintenance schedules and potential supply interruptions. Conservation campaigns aim to encourage responsible water use and promote awareness of service improvements, particularly in historically underserved areas (areas that experience service delivery failures).
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Improving Service Delivery
Johannesburg Water’s extensive infrastructure projects and strategic investment plans mark a decisive step toward resolving the city’s longstanding water supply challenges. By upgrading critical assets such as pump stations, reservoirs, and pipelines, and by implementing innovative solutions for informal settlements and wastewater reuse, the utility is working to build a resilient and sustainable water system.
These efforts are supported by a substantial multi-billion Rand capital investment and strengthened maintenance programmes. They aim not only to improve immediate water access but also to future-proof Johannesburg’s water supply in the face of growing demand and climate variability. Through transparent communication and community engagement, Johannesburg Water continues to prioritise equitable service delivery, safeguarding the city’s water future for all its residents.
