Johannesburg water outages today (13 November 2026): areas hit
Johannesburg Water is starting to reopen bulk supply in Roodepoort and Soweto after Thursday's closures, but warns of low pressure and on and off supply until reservoirs refill later this evening.
Update (12:15 SAST, 13 November 2026): Johannesburg Water's latest Roodepoort system status shows most reservoirs and towers recovering, but Witpoortjie is still low (Johannesburg Water, 12:15).
| Reservoir or tower | Status at 12:15 |
|---|---|
| Helderkruin Reservoir and Tower | Supplying adequately |
| Witpoortjie Reservoir and Tower | Low and declining |
| Florida North Tower | Supplying but low |
| Constantia Tower, Horizon Tower | Supplying adequately |
| Main Reef Reservoir | Supplying adequately |
| Main Reef Tower | Supplying fairly |
| Robertville Reservoir | Supplying adequately |
| Robertville Pump Station | No pumping |
Johannesburg Water says it will begin reopening the bulk supply meters in Roodepoort and Soweto today, Friday, 13 November 2026, after they were closed on Thursday to boost reservoir levels. It says some systems have now stabilised and recovered enough (Johannesburg Water customer notice, 11:45).
Water will not come back all at once. Teams are being sent out to reopen supply to the affected reservoirs and will keep working until later this evening. The reservoirs must first fill to acceptable levels, so low pressure or on and off supply is likely until the systems fully recover (Johannesburg Water).
Which areas were closed?
These are the systems Johannesburg Water named when it shut them from around midday on 12 November to stop Eikenhof's bulk reserves dropping further ([Johannesburg Water notice, 12 November](OLD)). Its 11:45 notice refers to the Roodepoort and Soweto regions and does not list which systems reopen first.
| Area | Systems closed on 12 November |
|---|---|
| Soweto | Meadowlands North, Zondi, Protea Glen, Chiawelo, Power Park |
| Roodepoort and Florida | Roodepoort Deep Township, Florida South, Florida 250MM, Florida South Boundary Meter, Grober Park, Boschkop HP |
| North west | Cosmo City, Honeydew 1 and 2, Doornkop North, Braamfischerville Ext 8 Direct Feed, Noorgesig Direct Feed |
When will water be back in Soweto and Roodepoort?
Johannesburg Water has not given a time for each area. It says reopening starts today and continues into the evening, and that it will monitor reservoir levels and share more updates during the day (Johannesburg Water).
For what happened yesterday, see Johannesburg water outages on 12 November 2026.
What should you do while supply recovers?
Keep taps closed so returning water doesn't flood sinks, and store some drinking water once it's back. Use water sparingly, since reservoirs refill faster when demand is low. If your water is still off after the systems recover, log a call so you get a reference number.
How do you report a water outage in Johannesburg?
| What | How |
|---|---|
| Call | 0860 056 2874 or 010 061 4470 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social media | @JHBWater on X and Johannesburg Water on Facebook |
Contact details from Johannesburg Water's 11:45 notice.
FAQ
Is water back in Soweto and Roodepoort today?
Johannesburg Water says it is starting to reopen the bulk supply meters today and will keep going until later this evening. Expect low pressure or on and off supply until reservoirs refill.
Why was water closed in Soweto and Roodepoort?
Johannesburg Water closed the bulk supply meters on 12 November because of bulk supply constraints, to stop Eikenhof's reserves dropping further and to boost reservoir levels.
What number do I call to report no water in Johannesburg?
Call 0860 056 2874 or 010 061 4470, or email [email protected], and keep your reference number.