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Load Shedding and Water Supply in Joburg: What You Need to Know in 2025

Published

3 months ago

May 27, 2025

Chiraag

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In Johannesburg, load shedding impacts more than just electricity – it also affects your water supply. Knowing how these services are connected can help you prepare and avoid disruptions during outages.

Also read: Joburg Water Outages: Causes and What to Do in 2025

Why Does Load Shedding Affect Water Supply?

Johannesburg Water uses electric pumps to push water from reservoirs into storage tanks and on to your home. If you live in a higher-lying area or neighbourhood that relies on these pumps, load shedding means the pumps stop during power cuts. This causes low water pressure or water shortages until power is restored.

If your area is served by gravity-fed water systems, you may not notice much difference during load shedding. But many parts of the city depend on pumped water, so it’s important to be prepared.

Current Water Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Johannesburg still enforces Level 1 water restrictions to manage supply and reduce system pressure. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

During the summer months (September to March), watering gardens and washing cars or driveways with hosepipes is not allowed between 6 am and 6 pm.
Use water sparingly for essential purposes like drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
Where possible, collect rainwater for non-drinking uses.

How to Prepare for Load Shedding and Water Outages

Stay informed:

Check load shedding schedules on City Power’s website and water updates from Johannesburg Water.
Subscribe to Johannesburg Water’s SMS notification service for alerts on planned or unplanned water interruptions.

Store water wisely:

Fill containers with enough water ahead of scheduled outages for drinking, cooking, and hygiene.
Freeze some water in bottles to keep your fridge cold during power cuts.

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Image 1: MART PRODUCTION (Pexels)

Conserve water:

Avoid unnecessary use during outages.
Shut off taps when water isn’t flowing to prevent leaks and backflow.
After supply returns, let taps run for a few minutes to clear debris.

Prepare your home:

Have flashlights or candles ready for power outages.
Keep a car charger handy to stay connected.
Consider a generator for essential appliances if possible.

What to Do If You Experience Water Shortages

Before logging complaints, check if load shedding is affecting your area – pressure usually improves once power is restored.
Contact Johannesburg Water customer service if shortages persist.
Use water sparingly until the supply stabilises.

Load shedding affects Johannesburg’s water supply mainly because electric pumps stop working in many areas during power outages. Knowing if your area depends on pumped water and following Level 1 water restrictions will help you manage during outages. Stay informed, store water smartly, conserve water, and prepare your home for power cuts to get through 2025 smoothly.