Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala has confirmed that water tankers allegedly distributing dirty water to communities affected by ongoing shortages do not belong to the utility’s fleet.
The statement comes amid Rand Water’s planned maintenance program, which began on Friday, 29 May, and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, 2 June. The maintenance has resulted in water supply disruptions across several western Johannesburg suburbs, including Coronationville, Claremont, Westbury, Brixton, and Crosby—areas served by the Commando water system.
Shabalala stated that Johannesburg Water strictly tests all water distributed through its tankers in accordance with SANS 241 standards for potable water. “With regards to water quality, I can confirm that the water tankers that are being alleged to have dirty water are not part of our tanker fleet,” she said.
Residents in affected areas have expressed frustration over inconsistent tanker schedules, with some describing the delivery pattern as unpredictable—comparing it to an “ice cream truck” that, if missed, means losing access to water. While some residents reported receiving water that appeared unfit for consumption, Johannesburg Water maintains that its operations adhere to regulatory quality controls.
To mitigate the impact of the maintenance, Johannesburg Water has deployed a combination of stationary and roaming water tankers. The utility has also assigned tanker coordinators and is working closely with ward counselors to redirect resources based on real-time need. Shabalala noted that the utility is able to track its tankers and receive photographic updates from coordinators regarding deployment locations.
Critical infrastructure remains a priority. Hospitals such as Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital and Helen Joseph Hospital, along with local clinics, old age homes, and informal settlements, are being supplied through boreholes and dedicated tanker support. Shabalala confirmed that Johannesburg Water has not received complaints from the Gauteng Department of Health regarding water access at health facilities.
Preparation for the maintenance began three weeks in advance, with engagements held across government, business, ward counselors, and civil society organizations, including community water advocacy groups.
While the Illovo supply zone experienced disruptions overnight, improvements were noted as systems began recovering. The SOWETO supply systems have remained resilient and continue to operate within normal parameters. However, reservoir levels in the Commando system—including Brixton, Crosby, and Hurst Hill—remain low, though outlet valves have been opened to facilitate gradual restoration.
Shabalala appealed for patience from residents in affected zones, emphasizing that full system recovery is expected to take three to five days following the conclusion of Rand Water’s maintenance. Johannesburg Water continues to urge residents to store water where possible and to report shortages through official channels to enable rapid response.
