Joburg imposes water restrictions amid low reservoir levels

By Johnathan Paoli

Starting from Thursday night, Johannesburg residents will experience nightly water pressure reductions as part of a strategy to address severe water shortages in the city.

From 9 PM to 4 AM, water pressure to millions of homes will be throttled due to an emergency measure introduced by Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina in conjunction with the metro and Johannesburg Water to replenish reservoir levels.

The indefinite water restriction, in addition to the existing Level 1 restrictions, is expected to start on Thursday and continue indefintely until the water system stabilises.

Majodina emphasised that Gauteng’s daily water consumption is currently 60% above the global average, straining resources.

She said the city, already grappling with growing population demands, illegal connections and deteriorating infrastructure, has found itself in a vulnerable position as reservoir levels plummet.

The minister said the throttling measure is intended to allow water levels to recover