eThekwini Planned Water Shedding
Durban’s water network is currently undergoing a managed recovery following recent disruptions that affected several communities across the metro. To restore stability and protect remaining water reserves, the City has implemented a series of strategic stabilisation measures designed to bring the system back to normal as quickly as possible.
These measures include aqueduct supply reconfiguration, temporary water rationing, pumping restrictions, and the deployment of emergency water tankers across affected areas.
Aqueduct Supply Reconfiguration to Speed Up Recovery
One of the most important interventions involves a reconfiguration of the aqueduct supply system that feeds Durban’s reservoirs. Working together with uMngeni-uThukela Water, the eThekwini Municipality has redirected both the Northern and Southern aqueducts to draw water from Durban Heights Reservoir 2.
Although this reservoir has a smaller storage capacity, focusing supply on a single reservoir allows engineers to refill the system faster. Attempting to stabilise multiple reservoirs at once would significantly delay recovery.
Durban Heights Reservoir 3, which has a larger capacity, will remain isolated until repairs to Aqueducts 3 and 4 are completed and raw water inflows improve.
Water Rationing Plan Implemented Across Durban
To ensure available water reaches as many residents as possible during the recovery period, the municipality has introduced a controlled water rationing plan.
- Some communities will receive water only during morning supply periods.
- Other areas will receive water twice daily — once in the morning and again in the afternoon.
- These measures will remain in place until the reservoir system stabilises.
The rationing plan helps balance demand across the network while allowing reservoirs time to recover.
Pumping Restrictions Introduced to Protect Reservoir Levels
To prioritise the recovery of Durban Heights Reservoir 2, pumping from Durban Heights Reservoir 1 to Pinetown and surrounding reservoirs will be restricted to 16 hours per day.
This controlled pumping schedule ensures that the maximum volume of available water is directed toward stabilising the main reservoir supplying the city.
Southern Aqueduct Supply Adjustments
Westville Reservoir System
- Pumps supplying Lea Drive and Dawncliffe reservoirs will operate for 12 hours per day.
- Salisbury inlets will remain closed for 12 hours daily.
Northdene 3 Reservoir
The inlet to Northdene 3 Reservoir will be throttled to 15% capacity throughout the day. This reservoir supplies several surrounding communities, including Shallcross, Chatsworth 4, St Wendolins, Washington Heights, and Intake Road reservoirs.
Outlets from this reservoir will open only twice daily for three hours at a time.
Umlazi and Chatsworth Reservoirs
Outlets in these areas will operate for three hours in the morning and again for three hours in the afternoon.
Northern Aqueduct Supply Adjustments
Reservoirs connected to the Northern Aqueduct will also operate under controlled supply periods.
- Most reservoir outlets will open twice daily for three hours.
- Reservoirs with slower water usage will receive a continuous supply throughout the day.
Pinetown Pump Stations Operating on Reduced Schedule
Pumps transferring water from Durban Heights to the Pinetown reservoir network will operate for 16 hours per day during the stabilisation period.
However, Westmead Reservoir will remain fully operational because it continues receiving supply from the Western aqueduct system.
Emergency Water Tanker Support for Affected Communities
To assist areas experiencing severe water shortages, the City has activated several water tanker filling points across Durban. Tankers will collect water from these locations and distribute it to affected communities.
- Mobeni Depot
- Jeffels Road Depot
- Pinetown Depot (Halifax)
- Canelands
- Alverstone Nek Reservoir
A dedicated tanker deployment schedule has been implemented to ensure emergency water reaches communities that need it most.
Residents Urged to Conserve Water During System Recovery
City officials are urging residents and businesses to use water sparingly while the system stabilises. Responsible water usage will help reservoirs recover faster and reduce the risk of further supply disruptions.
The municipality continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide additional updates as repairs progress and normal raw water inflows are restored.
In times like these, it shows how important it is to become self-reliant. Read our article on water storage for your home to help protect you and your family from these types of water crises