By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
City of Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero says tests have shown a steady improvement after a sewer overflow contaminated a damaged water pipe in Bezuidenhout Valley and the Joburg Inner City.
Morero gave an update on tap water test results.
Residents in parts of the city’s business district and Bezuidenhout Valley reported a strong smell emanating from their piped and tap water.
Morero explained,” the damaged steel pipe was located near a sewer manhole and required specialised welding, including the removal of a t-piece. While the team awaited the welding crew’s availability, a nearby sewer manhole became blocked and overflowed, spilling sewer into the trench and mixing with water from the damaged pipe.”
He added that initial tests showed the water was not fit for consumption, but subsequent tests have shown a steady improvement.
“As of the 4th of January, only two of seven sampling points were still below drinking water standards. Bulk dosing and additional flushing are continuing.”
Meanwhile the Rand Water maintenance on the Eikenhof system starts tomorrow, January 6, 2026, running until January 8, 2026.
The 54-hour maintenance at the Eikenhof pump station is part of the essential upgrades to critical bulk water infrastructure needed to enhance long-term reliability, the City of Johannesburg said.
Water supply disruptions are expected in some areas: Roodepoort Deep Reservoir; Fleurhof Reservoir; Doornkop Reservoir; Meadowlands Reservoir 1 and 2, including direct feeds; and Braamfischer Reservoir.
“During maintenance, the volume of bulk water supplied to Johannesburg Water’s network will be significantly reduced. As a result, affected reservoirs will gradually deplete, and residents may experience low water pressure or outages,” the city said.
“After maintenance ends and pumping resumes on January 8, systems will not recover immediately. Johannesburg Water’s infrastructure will require at least seven days to stabilise and recover fully.”
Operational and contingency plans to reduce the effects of maintenance are being implemented. With Reservoir levels have been managed in advance, response teams are on standby, and alternative water will be supplied to affected communities through stationary and roaming tankers during the maintenance and recovery periods.”
Morero said the maintenance was necessary to secure Johannesburg’s long-term water reliability but warned that it would significantly reduce the volume of water entering Johannesburg Water’s network during the shutdown period.
He said communication would be prioritised, with regular updates to be shared through ward councillors, official city platforms and customer notices.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience this maintenance will cause to households, businesses and institutions across Johannesburg. However, this work is essential to safeguarding the city’s long-term water security,” he said.