Durban water outages today (7 November 2026): affected areas, causes and when water returns
A burst 600mm pipeline has cut water to Phoenix, Mount Edgecombe, Southgate, Rainham and nearby areas on 7 November. eThekwini expects water back by late afternoon.
Update (18:25 SAST, 7 November 2026): A wider supply warning now covers large parts of Durban. uMngeni-uThukela Water says algae from the Albert Falls and Nagle Dam system has clogged filters at the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works, so it will cut its supply to eThekwini by 40 megalitres until the situation improves, and several filters will be taken offline this weekend for chemical cleaning (The South African). Areas fed by the Phoenix, Umhlanga, Durban North, KwaMashu, Ntuzuma, Chatsworth, Queensburgh, Umlazi and Pinetown South systems could have interruptions, and residents are asked to use water sparingly (The South African). No official confirmation that the Phoenix 1 pipeline repair is finished has been published yet.
Parts of Phoenix and nearby areas north of Durban have no water on Saturday, 7 November 2026, after a burst on a 600mm pipeline that feeds the Phoenix 1 Reservoir. eThekwini says water should return by late afternoon today (IOL).
Which areas are affected?
| Source | Areas listed |
|---|---|
| eThekwini Water and Sanitation notice | Mount Edgecombe, Greenbury, Rockford, Stonebridge, Clayfield, Broadlands |
| Ward 110 outage notice | Southgate, Rainham and surrounding areas |
Both lists are as reported by IOL. Homes supplied by the Phoenix 1 Reservoir are the ones affected.
What caused the outage?
Ground checks on 6 November found a burst on the 600mm Rivergate AC pipeline supplying the reservoir, which then emptied faster than expected, the municipality said (IOL). Crews are replacing the damaged section with new steel pipe, which needs fabrication and welding on site.
When will water return?
eThekwini expects supply to be restored by late afternoon on Saturday, 7 November (IOL). Once water is back, higher-lying homes may take longer while the reservoir refills. Reports that water would be opened briefly so residents could fill containers have not been confirmed.
Can I get a water tanker?
Yes. The municipality says tankers remain available to affected areas on request (IOL). Phoenix has faced regular supply cuts for months because of pressure on the bulk system (IOL).
How do I report no water in Durban?
Use the eThekwini app, WhatsApp 073 148 3477, call 080 311 1111 toll free, or email [email protected] (eThekwini via My Durban).
FAQ
Why is there no water in Phoenix today?
A 600mm pipeline feeding the Phoenix 1 Reservoir burst, and the reservoir ran empty.
When will water be back in Phoenix?
eThekwini expects supply to return by late afternoon on Saturday, 7 November 2026.
How do I request a water tanker in eThekwini?
WhatsApp 073 148 3477, call 080 311 1111 or email [email protected].