Water shortage alert: multiple Durban suburbs face interruptions as heatwave strains supply system

DURBAN residents in multiple suburbs including Morningside, Glenwood, and Umlazi face several days of water interruptions as the ongoing heatwave drives exceptionally high demand.

The eThekwini Municipality has deployed water tankers to affected areas while technical teams work to stabilise reservoir levels.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly to support system recovery, IOL reported.

The eThekwini Municipality confirmed on Friday that areas supplied by the Wiggins water works high lift pump station were affected due to “low system pressures and exceptionally high water demand, exacerbated by the ongoing heatwave.”

According to the municipality, sustained high consumption has left reservoirs unable to maintain healthy operating levels.

“Sustained high demand has placed significant strain on the water distribution system, resulting in reservoirs being unable to maintain healthy operating levels,” the municipality said.

As a result, several reservoir supply zones across the city are experiencing interruptions, with high-lying areas particularly vulnerable.

“High-lying and high-level areas are particularly vulnerable, as they depend on sufficient reservoir levels and pressure to receive a consistent water supply. Technical teams from the Water Services Directorate are actively monitoring the system and implementing operational interventions to stabilise reservoir levels,” the municipality said.

“These interventions include inspections of critical infrastructure such as “pipe routes, valve chambers, line valves, air valves, and other critical infrastructure to identify and address any issues that may be contributing to reduced supply pressure,” it added.

However, residents may need to brace for several days of disruption.

The municipality cautioned that “investigations and inspections could take several days to complete,” adding that any problems found would be addressed “based on specific operational requirements.”

In the meantime, water tankers would be sent to affected communities, the city said.

The city also appealed to residents to use water sparingly.

“We appeals to all residents to reduce water consumption during this critical period. Responsible use of water is essential to support reservoir recovery and ensure fair distribution across all areas,” the municipality said.

Areas affected include parts of Morningside, Musgrave, Glenwood, Sydenham, Westridge, Sea View, Umlazi, Bluff, Wentworth, Montclair and several others supplied by reservoirs such as Sherwood 3, Chesterville, Ridge View, St Thomas, Lamontville, and Bluff 1, 2 and 3.

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