Joburg Water Restrictions 2025: What Residents Need to Know

As of May 2025, Johannesburg continues to face water supply challenges caused by aging infrastructure, high consumption, and persistent system leaks. While Level 1 water restrictions officially ended on 31 March 2025, residents are still being urged to use water wisely as the system remains under strain. City officials warn that restrictions may return if demand continues to outpace supply.

What Level 1 Water Restrictions Meant

During the official Level 1 period (September to March), residents were required to adjust their daily habits to conserve water and avoid waste.

Key Restrictions Included:

• No hosepipe use from 6am to 6pm
  Watering gardens, washing cars, or cleaning paved areas using hosepipes was banned during these hours.

• Non-essential outdoor water use discouraged

• Encouraged water-saving practices
  Especially during peak times when system demand is highest.

• Preparedness for stricter restrictions
  The city reserved the right to tighten restrictions if necessary.

Image 1: Facebook

The Ongoing Challenges

“Water systems across Johannesburg are under immense strain. Managing usage is no longer optional.” – Johannesburg Water

Also read: https://www.joburgetc.com/johannesburg/how-to-store-water-joburg-outages/

Aging Infrastructure

Many of the city’s pipes and systems are decades old, leading to frequent bursts and leaks that waste large volumes of water.

High Levels of Water Loss

Johannesburg continues to report high levels of non-revenue water – water that’s lost before it reaches users due to system failures or illegal connections.

Water Throttling

The city implemented water throttling in several areas during nighttime hours – reducing pressure to preserve supply for the next day.

What the City Is Doing About It

Johannesburg Water has committed to addressing the crisis through both technical and community-based solutions:

• Faster repair turnaround times

• Emergency contractor deployment

• Pressure management systems being expanded citywide

• Leak detection and repairs

• Public-private partnerships being explored to modernise infrastructure

How Residents Can Help

Even though official restrictions have paused, responsible water use remains crucial:

• Fix leaking taps and toilets promptly

• Report leaks and bursts to the City via official channels

• Reuse greywater for gardens and cleaning

• Avoid non-essential water use, especially in the mornings and early evenings

Image 2: Crisafulli Bros.

Johannesburg’s water supply system is fragile, and lasting improvements will take time. Every resident has a part to play in avoiding future crises. With collective action – both from households and city management – Joburg can maintain a stable and sustainable supply through the dry months and beyond.

Also read: https://www.joburgetc.com/johannesburg/make-tap-water-safe-johannesburg/

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Source: Joburg ETC

Featured Image: City of Johannesburg