Best of Johannesburg

Joburg Water Outages: Causes and What to Do in 2025

Published

3 months ago

May 20, 2025

Chiraag

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Also read: Living Through the Breakdown: How Joburg’s Failing Infrastructure Impacts You

If you’ve lived in Johannesburg for long enough, you know the feeling: you turn on the tap – nothing. Whether it’s a planned shutdown or a sudden failure, water outages disrupt daily life and can leave entire neighbourhoods scrambling. But what causes these outages, and what can you actually do when they happen?

Here’s what you need to know in 2025.

Why Water Outages Happen in Joburg

Water outages aren’t always the same – some are planned, others aren’t. Here are the most common causes:

1. Planned Maintenance

Joburg Water frequently conducts routine maintenance to repair and upgrade critical infrastructure.

This usually comes with a warning via SMS, social media, or local news, and affects specific areas for several hours.

2. Pipe Leaks and Bursts

Johannesburg’s ageing water infrastructure makes pipe bursts a regular issue. High pressure, ground shifts, and extreme weather can all cause pipes to rupture, cutting off supply unexpectedly.

3. Water Main Breaks

Major breaks in underground water mains often cause large-scale disruptions. Emergency crews are typically dispatched to isolate the problem and start repairs.

4. Power Outages

No power often means no water – especially in high-rise buildings and areas dependent on pump stations.

Load shedding or substation failures impact water systems reliant on electric pumps, affecting pressure and supply.

5. Water Contamination

Though rare, supply can be shut off due to safety concerns. These can stem from:

Industrial contamination
Infrastructure damage
Algae blooms in reservoirs

When this happens, water is cut until it can be declared safe to use again.

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Image 1: Freepik

How to Prepare for a Water Outage

You can’t control the infrastructure, but you can be ready when an outage hits:

Store Emergency Water

Aim for 4 litres per person per day for at least 72 hours.
Don’t forget pets and extra water for hygiene.

Also read: How to Safely Store Water During Joburg’s Scheduled Outages

Fill Up Before a Planned Cut

Use baths, buckets, and basins to store water ahead of time for cleaning and toilet flushing.

Know Where Your Shut-Off Valve Is

It’s a small thing that can prevent major damage in the event of a burst pipe inside your home.

Keep Water Purification Tablets or Filters

These are helpful if water is restored with a “boil notice” or you’re unsure about quality.

Also read: Emergency Water Safety: How to Purify Tap Water in Johannesburg

What to Do When the Water Goes Off

When your taps go dry, here’s what to check:

Look for Official Updates

Check with Joburg Water – and Rand Water if it’s a larger outage.
Both provide real-time updates via:

These platforms often have estimated restoration times and affected area lists.

Check Your Surroundings

Roadworks, hydrant maintenance, or nearby construction might explain sudden disruptions.

Speak to Neighbours

If you’re the only one affected, the issue could be on your property.

Turn Off Water-Dependent Appliances

Avoid using geysers, washing machines, or dishwashers until the supply is stable again.

Keep Taps Closed

Open taps can cause surges, spluttering, and potential damage when the water returns.

When to Call a Plumber

If the water returns to your neighbours but your taps stay dry, you may have a plumbing problem.

Call a professional for:

Leak detection
Burst pipe repairs
Water pressure issues
Emergency shut-off or restoration

Local services like RDF Plumbing offer quick-response help for Joburg residents – but preventative maintenance goes a long way too.

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Image 2: Savvy Plumbing

Water outages are part of life in Joburg – but that doesn’t mean they have to catch you off guard. By understanding the causes, keeping emergency supplies on hand, and knowing where to turn for help, you can keep calm and carry on when the taps go quiet.

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