South Africa: Further water shortages likely in parts of Gauteng Province through at least mid-August /update 1

Further water shortages likely in parts of Gauteng Province, South Africa, through at least mid-August following planned maintenance.

Further water disruptions are likely in Ekhurhulenia (East Rand), Johannesburg, and Pretoria (Tshwane) through at least mid-August as residents continue to report supply issues. The shortages follow planned infrastructure maintenance on the Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and North West water systems, which concluded in late July. Shortages have likely been compounded by an ongoing drought affecting southern Africa, and authorities have also reported illegal aqueduct connections. Water tankers have been dispatched to affected areas.

Business disruptions are possible, especially for companies that rely on large quantities of municipal water. Essential services, including hospitals and health facilities, could experience disruptions due to water cuts, but will likely have contingency plans in place. Spontaneous protests are possible in areas affected by water shortages, especially in lower-income areas. In the event of demonstrations, increased security and road travel disruptions stemming from blockades are likely.

If operating in impacted areas, stock up on drinking water and confirm alternative water supplies for business operations. Use only bottled water from reputable suppliers for drinking and hygienic purposes. Water pressure and quality may be poor after service resumes; run taps for several minutes before using water. Minimize nonessential water. Avoid protests, and do not drive through roadblocks that may materialize. Heed instructions from authorities.

South Africa, Gauteng especially, regularly suffers from water shortages due to increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, repeated infrastructure breakdowns, high demand, and alleged sabotage. Recurring power cuts have also prevented freshwater pumps from delivering water to some localities and sewage plants from processing grey water. Authorities in Johannesburg had implemented efforts to ensure equal water distribution, with water tankers currently servicing water-restricted areas.

Authorities have regularly implemented water restrictions to mitigate disruptions. Current advisories advise consumers to continue practicing level 1 water usage restrictions, including the prohibition of garden watering, car washing, swimming pool filling, and irrigating gardens between 06:00-18:00.