Johannesburg Water’s Midrand system plays a critical role in supplying water to Region A, encompassing Midrand, Waterfall, Kyalami and many more.
According to Johannesburg Water’s electromechanical manager Gugulethu Quma, the Midrand system consists of seven reservoir and tower complexes which store about 140 000 megalitres of water capacity. However, the increasing water demand in the area necessitates future expansions.
On June 27, the entity organised a media tour to shed light on this essential water supply system; from getting bulk supply from Rand Water’s Palmiet System to moving within the system until it finally reaches residents’ taps.
Three sites were visited and the tour commenced at the Development Bank Reservior Complex in Randjespark where the entities officials provided insights into the system’s operations.
Johannesburg Water has decided to upgrade reservoirs to improve its current capacity within its system. With many of its systems facing issues over the years the water authority will begin its renovations to the system around Joburg this year.
Quma highlighted the complex’s importance in supplying predominantly corporate businesses, “However there are some developments that are occurring which will also have mixed customers including residential customers.
“You will still notice that there are developments and open spaces within the area [Development Bank] and this reservoir has been built to deal with all the development which is a current demand and a future demand,” Quma explained.
“The [Development Bank] reservoir and the tower itself have a good retention capacity which gives us over 24 hours [reservoir retention time]. It gives us between 24-48 hours depending on the season. If it’s summer, it will come to plus/minus 30 hours but if it’s winter season it can give us up to 48 hours retention capacity to supply all the industrial and businesses including the residential customers that are supplied from this area.”
The tour proceeded to the President Park Reservoir and Tower Complex site, boasting a combined storage capacity of 33 000 megalitres, making it one of the largest sites within the Midrand System.
The site comprises a tower and two reservoirs, with the bigger reservoir being the infrastructure established in response to the evolving residential landscape.
The final part of the tour was a visit to the Grand Central Tower. Its infrastructure mirrors the area’s rapid development, in both residential and commercial sectors.
“The infrastructure is growing. We do not only grow the infrastructure that provides service delivery, but we also need to grow the size of the human resource or human capital that needs to respond to the service delivery.”
Johannesburg Water to be impacted by Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water has reminded residents to store enough water during the planned maintenance by Rand Water.
Rand Water started extensive maintenance on its infrastructure on June 22 and will continue until July 29.
The maintenance work will affect Johannesburg Water’s systems that are supplied by the Palmiet and Eikenhof pump stations, and the Daleside Booster Station.
The systems to be impacted during the maintenance period include all Sandton and Midrand systems, the South Hills Tower as well as Alexandra Park, Randjieslaagte, and Linksfield reservoirs.
“This kind of preventative maintenance is imperative to make Rand Water’s systems more efficient and reliable for their customers, such as Johannesburg Water. During this time, Johannesburg Water customers will be impacted by low pressure to no water supply,” said Johannesburg Water.
“Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply at strategic areas like hospitals, clinics, schools, municipal offices, police stations and shopping centres. However, residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance.”
During the maintenance period, pumping at Rand Water’s Palmiet pump station – which feeds several of Johannesburg Water’s systems – will be reduced as follows:
- July 1, Palmiet System – Palmiet will be pumping at 60% for 8 hours
- July 15, Palmiet System – Palmiet pumping will be reduced to 68% for 50 hours
- July 29, Palmiet System – Palmiet pumping will be reduced to 76% for 40 hours.
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