Joburg Water begins long‑overdue Hurst Hill 2 Reservoir repairs, 5 000 properties affected

Johannesburg Water has finally commenced essential repairs to the Hurst Hill 2 reservoir, a key component of the Commando water system that has long suffered from leaks and ageing infrastructure. The project includes internal lining of the 23‑megalitre reservoir, replacement of valves and fittings, and the installation of a 600 mm bypass pipeline. Work is scheduled to continue from 1 December 2025 until approximately 9 April 2026.

More than 5 000 properties across suburbs including Melville, Emmarentia, Richmond, Westdene, Westcliff, Auckland Park and Parktown West will be affected during this period. Johannesburg Water has warned that supply may be rerouted through bypass lines to facilitate repairs, which could result in intermittent low pressure or temporary water outages, particularly in higher‑lying areas.

Local councillors have advised residents to prepare by storing water and managing consumption carefully. With the Hurst Hill 2 reservoir offline, there are currently no alternative lines sufficient to guarantee uninterrupted supply until the bypass system is fully operational.

The rehabilitation of Hurst Hill 2 is part of a broader overhaul of the Commando system, which has struggled for years with leaks, unreliable supply, and ageing pipelines. Additional upgrades are underway, including the construction of a new reservoir and tower at Brixton, along with improvements to bulk pipelines and pump stations to secure long-term water reliability across the city.

Residents are urged to follow updates from Johannesburg Water regarding temporary supply arrangements. While the repairs may cause short-term inconvenience, the project aims to provide a stable, dependable water supply for communities that have faced ongoing outages and disruptions.