The levels in at least 26 reservoirs and water towers that supply Johannesburg with water were very or critically low or empty at the end of 2024, according to updates by Joburg Water. As a result, the water supply to homes in at least 440 suburbs was affected in October and November.

In some cases Joburg Water refers to problematic ‘systems’ rather than reservoirs and towers – systems are networks of connected towers and reservoirs which provide water to a number of suburbs. In these instances it is difficult to identify which suburbs were affected.

On 17 November, for example, City Power’s repair to the Eikenhof substation affected several water systems. Joburg Water said the Commando system – which supplies areas including Northcliff, Auckland Park and Coronationville – took over a week to recover.

A surge in problems reported between 1 and 4 November was blamed on hot weather.