Water supply interruption for parts of Durban: Here’s where

Parts of Durban are facing ongoing water supply interruptions, with residents and businesses in several Pinetown South and surrounding areas affected.

The eThekwini Municipality said the interruptions are the result of water supply curtailments by bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela Water at the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works.

The curtailments have reduced water flows through the Southern Aqueduct, affecting water levels at the Northdene and Shallcross reservoirs.

The municipality said the situation has persisted for approximately two weeks and continues to affect water availability across the impacted supply zones.

No restoration timeframe yet

The Pinetown South reservoir system depends entirely on the Shallcross Reservoir for its water supply. However, continued depletion of water levels at Shallcross has placed the system under severe strain.

The Washington Heights and Intake reservoirs are currently empty, eThekwini Municipality said, and there is currently no confirmed timeframe for the restoration of normal water supplies.

Pumping operations will resume once water levels at Shallcross Reservoir have stabilised and improved, provided there are adequate inflows from the Southern Aqueduct.

The municipality said it is monitoring the situation and implementing measures to reduce the impact on affected communities.

Water tankers have been arranged to provide interim relief to affected communities while the municipality works to restore water availability.

Durban Areas affected

The affected areas include:

Supply systemAreas affected

N-Pump Station

Klaarwater, Phumphele, St Wendolins, parts of Nsizwaqkazi, Savannah Park Phases 1 and 2, Wiltshire Factories

Washington Heights Reservoir

Klaarwater, Nsizwaqkazi, Regency Park, Latana, Hlanganisa, Gwala Road, Sarjoo Road

Intake Reservoir

Demat, Progress Road, Mawelewele, Intake Road, Luganda, parts of Nagina Township, Khoseleni, Sthundu Hills, Dambuza, parts of Bell Tower Road, parts of Grasmere Road, Mpongo Road

Residents in the affected areas should prepare for continued interruptions until water levels at Shallcross Reservoir recover and sufficient flows return through the Southern Aqueduct.