Johannesburg water outages today (4 November 2026): affected areas, causes and when water returns
Parts of Johannesburg, including Midrand, Sandton, Parktown and Honeydew, still have dry taps or low pressure on 4 November. Storage is at 41% and recovery is gradual.
Parts of Johannesburg are still dealing with dry taps and low pressure on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, election day. The disruption started on 19 October, and Mayor Dada Morero says some households have had no water for more than 10 days (SAnews). Overall storage was 41% at the latest briefing, and Johannesburg Water expects about 50% by the end of the week (Sowetan).
Which areas are still affected?
These are the areas the City and Johannesburg Water have named as still under pressure (SAnews):
| System | Status |
|---|---|
| Central | Parktown Reservoir still very low; high-lying parts of Alexandra Park zone affected |
| Sandton | Storage about 37%; Bryanston, Illovo and Morningside under active management |
| Midrand | Grand Central Reservoir very low, pumping to the tower suspended; Erand about 35% with low inflows (Kyalami, Noordwyk, Vorna Valley) |
| Ivory Park area | Ivory Park, Allandale and Kaalfontein still having problems |
| Randburg and Roodepoort | Honeydew very low; Sundowner, Northriding and Northgate affected; parts of Cosmo City Extension 0 affected |
| Commando | Brixton 1 about 91%, Brixton 2 about 50%; Hursthill bypassed because of leaks |
On Wednesday morning Johannesburg Water said the Linden reservoir and tower are supplying, but poor pressure to no water may still be experienced in the area (Johannesburg Water). On Tuesday evening it said the Doornkop and Chiawelo reservoirs, which supply parts of Protea Glen, were at low levels (Johannesburg Water).
What caused the water outages?
Morero says water is being used faster than reservoirs and towers can refill, high-lying areas have been hit hardest, and labour action at Johannesburg Water delayed the work needed to stabilise the system (Inside Metros).
When will water come back?
There is no single restoration time. Johannesburg Water says reservoirs and towers are supplying, but full restoration depends on systems reaching satisfactory levels, and pressure will improve gradually as they stabilise (Johannesburg Water). The City says restoration is being managed slowly so reservoirs are not drained again, and you may still see low pressure or short interruptions while flows are adjusted (SAnews).
What should I do if my taps are dry?
Use water sparingly, store drinking water in clean, closed containers when supply returns, and report leaks and burst pipes quickly (SAnews). Log outages with Johannesburg Water on 0860 056 2874 or 010 061 4470, or email [email protected], and keep your reference number. Updates are posted on X (@JHBWater) and the daily water notices page.
Earlier coverage: Johannesburg water outages (2 November 2026).
FAQ
How long has Johannesburg been without water?
The City says outages and low pressure started on 19 October 2026, and some households have been dry for more than 10 days.
When will water be fully restored in Johannesburg?
No date has been given. Johannesburg Water says supply will improve gradually as reservoirs recover, with storage expected to reach about 50% by the end of the week.
How do I report a water outage in Johannesburg?
Call Johannesburg Water on 0860 056 2874 or 010 061 4470, or email [email protected], and keep your reference number.