Residents in Durban South and Central are being advised to prepare for a scheduled water shutdown next week that will affect supply in several areas.
eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that the interruption will begin on Tuesday, 8 July, and continue until Wednesday, 9 July, due to maintenance work on the uMngeni-uThukela Wiggins Water Treatment Works gravity system.
According to the municipality, bulk water supplier uMngeni-uThukela Water will be replacing large-diameter valves and check meters on the main pipeline, and will also repair a leak that has been restricting water flow to the plant since April.
The shutdown will require the complete switch-off of the treatment works, which means no water will be pumped into the affected reservoirs during this period.
The City says it will attempt to top up reservoirs ahead of the shutdown but warns that supply recovery could take up to three days, depending on consumer demand.
“We urge residents to use water sparingly and reduce consumption during this time,” the City said in a statement.
Water tankers will be deployed to critical areas as needed to provide relief during the shutdown.