Water Outages in Johannesburg: Areas Affected and What to Expect on 6–7 May

Residents in Johannesburg should brace for planned water outages next week as Johannesburg Water conducts critical maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. The water utility has scheduled interruptions across multiple areas. These include Fleurhof and Orange Farm. Residents are expected to face low pressure or complete water cuts during the affected periods.

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Tuesday, 6 May: Fleurhof to Experience 8-Hour Outage

Johannesburg Water has announced that Fleurhof suburb will undergo an 8-hour water shutdown on Tuesday, 6 May, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. All streets in Fleurhof will be impacted.

The outage is necessary to install a new pipe into the city’s existing water infrastructure. Although disruptive, Joburg Water stated that this maintenance is part of broader efforts to enhance long-term service delivery to residents.

“Residents in the area will experience low pressure and no water supply during the maintenance period,” Joburg Water confirmed in a public statement.

The utility has assured the public that they are taking steps to mitigate the inconvenience. Further details about alternative water supply options are expected closer to the date.

Wednesday, 7 May: Region G and Orange Farm Face 10-Hour Water Cut

On Wednesday, 7 May, another major disruption is scheduled in Region G, affecting all Orange Farm extensions. This interruption is due to the relocation of a 300mm water pipeline.

Residents in the affected area will again experience either very low water pressure or a complete loss of water during the work. As with the Fleurhof outage, Johannesburg Water plans to share information about alternative supply routes or emergency relief closer to the maintenance period.

These planned outages come on the back of similar disruptions across the metro, with Johannesburg Water recently executing 42-hour and 11-hour shutdowns in other areas for routine maintenance and Eskom-related work.

Water Restrictions Still in Place in Johannesburg

Beyond these scheduled outages, Level 1 water restrictions remain active across Johannesburg. These restrictions have been in place since 8 November 2024, as part of the city’s broader water conservation efforts.

To reduce pressure on its infrastructure, Johannesburg Water continues to monitor consumption levels closely, implementing a restriction programme that includes halting pumping at key pump stations and towers. This controlled approach helps maintain system stability and prevent emergency outages.

“To manage high consumption and support the recovery of our systems, Johannesburg Water will continue to enforce the restriction programme according to the separate schedule,” the utility said.

Tips for Residents During the Outage

As Johannesburg faces these interruptions, residents are urged to plan ahead:

• Store water in advance: Fill containers and buckets the day before the outage.
• Limit water usage: Postpone washing clothes or cars during the outage period.
• Practice hygiene precautions: Have hand sanitiser and wipes on hand.
• Look out for vulnerable neighbours: Help elderly or disabled residents store and carry water.
• Stay updated: Follow Johannesburg Water on social media or check their website for updates on restoration times and water tank availability.

While water outages are inconvenient, they are often necessary for maintaining the reliability and quality of the city’s water system. Johannesburg Water emphasized that these upgrades and repairs are part of an ongoing effort to prevent future unplanned outages and extend the lifespan of the city’s infrastructure.

Residents are encouraged to remain patient, follow official updates, and use water responsibly, particularly as the city navigates long-term water supply challenges linked to climate change, population growth, and aging infrastructure.