Talks of Day Zero looming in Johannesburg gained momentum since the City’s shocking revelation that 42 of its 87 water reservoirs are leaking. Shockingly, it plans to repair only half of them. 

Dr. Ferrial Adam, Executive Manager for WaterCAN (an OUTA initiative), expressed frustration over Johannesburg Water’s delayed disclosure of the extent of leaks in the city’s reservoirs. "We are relieved they are finally providing information, as WaterCAN has been seeking answers for some time."

WaterCAN sent a letter to City officials a year ago in October 2023, followed by a civil society call to action in May 2024. Adams said residents are increasingly anxious about a potential Day Zero, and they demand more than just a list of challenges. “We need detailed information on what needs repair, the urgency of each fix, timelines, and costs, especially as the City claims it lacks funds for water infrastructure.”

According to Dr Adam, WaterCAN is also concerned that non-revenue water losses in Johannesburg have reached 46.1%, indicating a serious issue. Johannesburg Water has not clarified how long it has known about the leaks, the severity, or how much water is being lost. The city's July 2024 turnaround strategy noted the 46.1% water loss as a major problem.

Although the City has committed to repair projects, limited funding and ongoing issues like outages, leaks, and high water bills continue to frustrate residents. WaterCAN urges greater transparency and communication about the state of water infrastructure.

Read the full story about the state of Johannesburg’s water supply system here.