Date: 2026-02-06 12:20:03

Ongoing Heatwave Causing High Water Demand

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ONGOING HEATWAVE CAUSING HIGH WATER DEMAND

EThekwini Municipality is attending to the interruption of water supply affecting areas supplied by the Wiggins Water Works High Lift Pump Station. 

The interruption is a result of low system pressures and exceptionally high water demand, exacerbated by the ongoing heatwave.

Sustained high demand has placed significant strain on the water distribution system, resulting in reservoirs being unable to maintain healthy operating levels. 

Consequently, areas within certain reservoir supply zones are being affected. 

High-lying and high-level areas are particularly vulnerable, as they depend on sufficient reservoir levels and pressure to receive a consistent water supply.

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

These interventions include detailed inspections of 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.

Investigations and inspections may take several days to complete. 

Any issues identified that are affecting supply pressures will be addressed based on specific operational requirements. 

In the interim, water tankers will be deployed to supply affected communities.

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.

AFFECTED AREAS 

Sherwood 3 Reservoir:

Bonela, Briardene, Clare Estate, Clare Hills, Garden Park, Morningside, Musgrave, Palmiet, Sherwood, Sparks, Springfield, Springfield Flats, Sydenham, Waterval Park, Westridge and Wiggins.

Chesterville Reservoir:

Blackhurst, Bonela, Chesterville and Wiggins.

Ridge View Reservoir:

Bellair, Blackhurst, Cato Manor, Coedmore, Hillary, Mount Vernon, Part Bellair, Ridgeview, Sea View, Umkhumbane, UKZN and Wiggins.

St Thomas Reservoir:

Essenwood, Morningside, Musgrave, Sparks, Sydenham and Westridge.

Curried Road Reservoir:

Essenwood, Greyville, Musgrave, Old Fort, AK near Greyville and Windermere.

Ridge End Reservoir:

Morningside, Springfield, Stamford Hill and Windermere.

Rosetta Reservoir:

Morningside, Stamford Hill, AK near Greyville and Windermere.

Cato Manor Reservoir:

Glenwood, Glenmore, Carrington Heights, Sea View, Umbilo, UKZN, Westridge and Wiggins.

South Ridge Reservoir:

Bulwer, Glenwood and Westridge.

Woodlands 1 and 2 Reservoirs:

Austerville, Montclair, Sea View, Wentworth, Woodlands and Yellowwood Park.

Lamontville Reservoir:

Havenside, Joe Slovo, Lamontville, Mobeni, Mobeni Heights, Prospecton Industrial, uMlazi and uMlazi Mission A.

Mobeni Rear:

Durban Old Airport, Isiphingo Beach, Jacobs, Merebank East, Merewent, Mobeni, Mobeni West, Prospecton Industrial and Reunion.

Bluff 1, 2 and 3 Reservoirs:

Bluff, Grosvenor and Ocean View.

South Reservoir:

Bluff, Grosvenor and Ocean View.

The Municipality apologises for any inconvenience caused. 

For more information regarding water supply, residents can download the eThekwini Municipality Mobile App to log faults, send a WhatsApp message to 073 148 3477, call the toll-free number 080 311 1111 or email Eservices@durban.gov.za

ENDS

Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate