Water

Overview

In Johannesburg, water distribution operates on a system that considers both population size and dam water levels. Rand Water, the city's primary supplier, purchases water from the Department of Water and Sanitation, primarily sourced from the Vaal Dam. Once piped from Vaal Dam, water is stored in reservoirs atop Yeoville Hill, which has three reservoirs with a combined capacity of 102 mega litres. These reservoirs supply many areas of Johannesburg, including Makers Valley. Variable speed pumps distribute the water into the network serving local residents and businesses. While the water quality is generally safe to drink, microplastics have been detected.

A significant portion of Johannesburg’s water, around 45%, comes from Lesotho. However, the climate crisis is threatening Lesotho's water supply, which poses a risk for both regions. The city also faces its own water shortages, partly due to ageing infrastructure that was not designed for the current population. This has resulted in frequent leaks and theft, contributing to a 45% water loss. Unfortunately, the maintenance budget is insufficient to address these issues, highlighting the systemic deficiencies in infrastructure management that have persisted for years.

Current situation

Water scarcity and effective water management remain persistent challenges in South Africa. Cape Town's water crisis of 2017-2018, driven by three consecutive years of below-average rainfall, highlighted the country's vulnerability to climate change impacts. This crisis underscored the importance of sustainable water management, particularly as Johannesburg now faces similar risks from flooding, rising temperatures, and erratic rainfall patterns. Such changes in rainfall can negatively affect agricultural production, further stressing water resources.

Despite claims by authorities that Johannesburg's water supply is secure, the reality of ongoing water shortages persists. The city relies on a centralised pipe network, entirely dependent on pumps to distribute water. This system is highly vulnerable to electricity disruptions, as frequent load shedding and power outages interrupt the water supply. The lack of water pressure during shutdowns also accelerates the deterioration of pipes, leaving homes and businesses without water for extended periods—sometimes up to three weeks.

Water costs in Johannesburg can be high, with most households using meters or prepaid systems to track consumption. The first 25 litres per person per day are provided free, but beyond this, water prices rise progressively based on usage. Payments are made at utility offices, supermarkets, or online, as postal billing is considered unreliable. Non-payment can result in the municipal water company cutting off access, leading some residents to resort to illegal tapping or arranging water from neighbours. Vendors may also sell water, which is transported in containers by wheelbarrow.

To mitigate water scarcity, some residents have turned to boreholes. However, the high installation cost, around R120,000 ($6,647 USD), limits access to wealthier households, perpetuating inequality. Boreholes, rainwater harvesting, and surface water solutions are part of the city's broader water strategy.

The Jukskei River, one of the largest rivers in Johannesburg, presents another potential solution. However, it suffers from severe sewage pollution, primarily due to ageing infrastructure, maintenance backlogs, and illegal dumping. The Environment and Infrastructure Office suggests that cleaning the Jukskei River and its catchments could provide water to up to a quarter of the households in Gauteng Province, which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria. Improving water quality here could be a key step in addressing the region's growing water scarcity.

RELEVANT CASE STUDIES

Take a look at the following case studies for more information and ideas. As you explore this area and the perspectives from the case studies, consider how water interconnects with other challenges identified by the community.

Romy Stander from Water for the Future, a nonprofit organisation working to clean the Jukskei River at its source. This includes ongoing efforts to clear invasive plant species, bolster the river’s green corridor and gather scientific data on the river, including its flow rate.
Stefan Neubig and James Mason from Sonnenglas, an innovative company known for their solar powered lanterns, utilise the borehole located at Victoria Yards during times of water shortages.

A flooded street with water pooling across the roadway. In the background, greenery and trees line the street, while the cloudy sky and wet surface suggest recent or ongoing rain.

A tall red water tower standing beside a palm tree and other greenery, with a bright blue sky in the background. The tower has a spherical top, and thin branches from a nearby tree frame the image on the right side.

A graffiti-covered wall next to a tree and some discarded debris on a dirt path. The word 'Jukskei' is spray-painted on the wall in large white letters, with colorful designs around it. The sunlight filters through the trees, casting long shadows.

Projects

9 Water sources and infrastructure

Johannesburg, despite being the largest city in the world and not located near a natural water source large enough to sustain its growth, is grappling with deteriorating infrastructure, lack of maintenance, corruption, and inadequate planning for population expansion. Frequent water cuts are becoming a persistent issue, affecting daily life for residents. Given these challenges, what ideas can be explored to address these water supply and infrastructure problems, ensuring long-term sustainability for the city and its people?

10 Management of water

With climate change and population growth contributing to the increasing scarcity of water resources, it is essential to explore ways to use water more effectively and reduce overall consumption. What strategies can be implemented to promote more efficient water use in daily life, both on an individual and community level, to help alleviate this growing challenge?

11 Water distribution system

The reliance on pumps for water distribution in Johannesburg makes the system vulnerable to disruptions during load shedding and power outages. Additionally, water wastage from leaking or damaged pipes, combined with ageing infrastructure, exacerbates the challenge. Given these issues, what solutions can be proposed to improve the water distribution infrastructure and ensure a reliable water supply for communities?

12 Water Security

Illegal tapping of exposed water connections is a significant issue, as it compromises water distribution and leads to further resource wastage. To address this, what strategies can be proposed to prevent illegal access to water connections while ensuring that communities still have access to water in a regulated and fair manner?