Alert: Heatwave hits Durban water supply; these areas are affected

Durban residents in multiple suburbs are facing water supply interruptions as an ongoing heatwave drives exceptionally high demand, placing strain on the city’s water distribution system.

eThekwini Municipality confirmed on Friday that areas supplied by the Wiggins water works high lift pump station are being 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,” the municipality said.

Teams from the Water Services Directorate have been deployed to stabilise the system.

“Technical teams from the Water Services Directorate are actively monitoring the system and implementing operational interventions to stabilise reservoir levels,” the municipality read.

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.”

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

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

In the meantime, water tankers will be sent to affected communities. “In the interim, water tankers will be deployed to supply affected communities,” the municipality said.

The city has also appealed to residents to use water sparingly.

“The Municipality 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.”

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.

“The Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused,” said the municipality.

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