Johannesburg’s water system is facing serious pressure as demand continues to rise against ageing infrastructure.
According to the city’s water utility, the Commando System — which supplies several suburbs — is struggling to keep up. Reservoirs in Crosby, Brixton, and Hursthill are operating under strain, with some areas already experiencing little to no water.
The Crosby reservoir is still providing supply but at reduced levels, and it has been redirected to support neighbouring Brixton and Hursthill. Pumping at Brixton has weakened, leaving high-lying areas hardest hit with very low pressure.
In Hursthill, one reservoir remains bypassed while leak repairs are underway. Although the second reservoir has shown slight improvement, high demand is keeping pressure extremely low.
Residents are being urged to use water sparingly as teams continue working to stabilise the system.