Major leak on Durban’s Southern Aqueduct forces fresh water shutdown

Residents and businesses in large parts of Durban and surrounding areas are facing continued water supply reductions after a severe leak developed on the Southern Aqueduct during post-repair work on 20 August 2026.

What happened

The eThekwini Municipality reported that the leak occurred while the Prestressed Concrete Pipeline (PCP) was being charged following planned work under the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade Project. The leak developed at Work Package 6 on Northbourne Road in Westville, and was discovered on 20 August 2026.

Because of the leak’s severity, technical teams shut down and isolated the pipeline overnight so repairs could begin safely. The extent of the damage prevented the continued charging of the PCP line and left the reduction in water supply in place until further notice.

Areas affected

The disruption affects communities across the Central Region, South Region and the Pinetown South system. The municipality listed numerous specific suburbs, reservoirs and areas within those regions as affected.

Central Region

Affected locations named by the municipality include areas served by Northdene 1 & 2, Firwood Reservoir, Ridley Park Reservoir, Chatsworth 4 Reservoir, Shallcross Reservoir, Harinager, Klaarwater, Chatsworth 1, Chatsworth 2 and Chatsworth 3 reservoirs, as well as Westcliff.

South Region

Multiple sections of Umlazi were listed including Umlazi A through F and other lettered sections along with Ensimbini, Ntabankulu, Draaihoek, Mahlabathini, Mangamazini, Mkhazini, Folweni, Golokodo, Dodoza and Isiphingo Esincane.

Pinetown South system

Named areas in the Pinetown South system include the N-Pumpstation service area, Washington Heights (Reservoir P) service area and the Intake Reservoir (Reservoir Q) service area, with specific suburbs and townships listed in each.

Response and outlook

Technical teams are attending to the repairs and the municipality said it will provide further updates once the situation has been assessed. The municipality has not provided a restoration timeframe.

Durban residents were advised to conserve available water while assessment and repair work continue.