Joburg water restrictions stay despite heavy rains and open dams

Johannesburg Water will continue to impose water restrictions and throttle the city, despite the recent heavy rainfall and the opening of dam sluice gates.

Due to recent torrential rains, the Department of Water and Sanitation had to implement necessary dam safety precautions and control water releases from the Vaal Dam to safeguard the infrastructure.

As a result, the department opened five sluice gates gradually from 20 March, with the fifth sluice opening on Sunday, 6 April.

Heavy rain doesn’t mean unlimited access to treated water

Despite this, Johannesburg Water said water restrictions and throttling will continue in the city because the availability of raw untreated water does not equate to unlimited access to treated water.

“Rand Water operates under strict licensing regulations that determine how much treated water can be supplied to municipalities,” the water utility said in a statement on Monday.

“These licensed limits remain in effect regardless of dam levels or rainfall, and all municipalities must manage their usage within these allocations.”

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According to Johannesburg Water, current consumption trends are still high, and the utility said restrictions must be maintained to guarantee sustainable and equitable distribution.

Rand Water’s capacity to meet total water demands is further limited by its purification and distribution infrastructure, as well as licensed supply limits.

“The existing systems have limited capacity, and while there are medium- to long-term plans to update and expand this infrastructure, these improvements will take time to implement,” Johannesburg Water said.

Water throttling starts at 6pm

Throttling will commence at around 6pm on Monday and conclude at around 5am on Tuesday.

Johannesburg Water said the times are subject to any logistic issues encountered. The degree of restrictions will also vary, with reductions ranging from 50% to 100%. This can include the inlet and/or outlet of a reservoir, a meter, or a pump-facilitated tower.

“It is essential that all consumers use water responsibly and sparingly to support consistent supply and avoid further strain on the system,” Johannesburg Water said.

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