The eThekwini Municipality’s Water & Sanitation Unit has issued a warning to residents in the North Region about intermittent water supplies. The disruptions are due to low flows and pressures from the Durban Heights water treatment works, which are currently supplying the region with water from Reservoir 2.
Reservoir 2, a much smaller reservoir compared to Reservoir 3, is struggling to meet the high demand. As a result, water levels in Reservoir 2 are steadily dropping even with constant draw-off. When the water level in Reservoir 2 falls to approximately 1.5 meters, the North Region is supplied with only one bulk line. This can happen at any time, day or night. The purpose of this measure is to help rebuild the storage level of Reservoir 2. Once the water level reaches an acceptable 3.5 meters, both lines are reopened to provide adequate flow to downstream reservoirs.
During these restriction periods, water supply to higher elevation points, such as the Ntuzuma, Phoenix, and Mountview reservoirs, is compromised. Additionally, the flows and pressures on the trunk mains are significantly reduced, affecting high-level zones including Phoenix 4, Virginia Reservoir, Umhlanga 2, and Phoenix 2.
The time required to replenish Reservoir 2 varies based on demand, creating a challenging cycle for operational teams. It can take up to two days to restore adequate water levels at the Durban Heights treatment works. Consequently, the operations teams must close most reservoir outlets in the evening and reopen them in the morning once adequate levels are achieved. Multistage pumping systems, such as those at Mountview, take longer to stabilize, resulting in periods of no water supply for affected consumers.
The municipality advises residents that the opening and closing of reservoir outlets are manually handled by Water Distribution Operators (WDOs) in the field. The eThekwini Water & Sanitation Unit appreciates residents' understanding and cooperation during this period and will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.
For more information, residents can contact the Water & Sanitation Unit, Water Network Branch (Northern Region).