Location determines when supply returns

1 Views

The planned maintenance at some major pump stations in Johannesburg is half done after Johannesburg Water announced that the work at Zwartkopjes was completed.

The water utility said in a statement on 15 December 2024 that Zwartkopjes was pumping at 100%. It said the systems supplied from this pump station were “recovering and will build capacity.” Here’s more on the update on the water shutdown in Johannesburg.

SYSTEMS SUPPLIED BY ZWARTKOPJES

The systems currently recovering include Parktown, Berea, Forest Hill, Naturena, Orlando East and Hector Norris Pump Station, which supplies Johannesburg CBD). Pumping at the Hector Norris Pump Station has begun. The system further said: “Outlets of systems are closed to hold capacity in reservoirs where supply is received.”

HERE’S WHY WATER SUPPLY TAKES LONGER TO BE RESTORED IN SOME AREAS

Johannesburg Water explained that just because maintenance has been completed at one pump station, the areas connected to it might not receive water supply immediately. It said certain factors determine how quickly residents get water in their homes, such where they live.

The further away and higher the residents live from the pump station decides when supply returns. This is why some areas get water almost immediately after work is done at those specific pump stations, while others have to wait days or weeks. It explained:

“Complete recovery of all impacted systems takes between five and 14 days after supply has been fully restored. Residents in low-lying areas will always recover quicker than those in high-lying areas. Johannesburg Water technical teams will also ensure to reconfigure systems to ensure water supply is fully restored.”

The South African also reported on the numerous causes that lead to delays in water supply returning to homes. This is especially after maintenance like the one which led to the Joburg water shutdown. A comprehensive list of locations where residents can fetch water from tanks and tankers while they are still without water has also been provided. Additional roaming water trucks were also reportedly deployed to affected areas.

‘SELF-HELP’ POINTS INITIATED DURING JOBURG WATER SHUTDOWN

In its efforts to ensure residents receive water, Johannesburg Water has also initiated “self-help” points at one depot so the public can go to the site and fetch water themselves. “This has been communicated to the specific regions. Other similar points are being investigated.”

Fill up point for Regions B and F is at 91 Side Road, South Dale (Johannesburg Water Southdale Depot). There is also another one at Hamberg Depot at 159 Albertina Sisulu, Roodepoort.

Regarding progress at the Eikenhof pump station, the utility said progress is going ahead and should be done as scheduled. Completion is projected for 16 December 2024 at 21:00.