Water Crisis Deepens in Merafong City
- Karen Scheepers
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Municipal notice reveals dangerously low reservoir levels and emergency water supply measures
A City Under Strain
Residents of Merafong City are grappling with an escalating water supply crisis, as the municipality announced on 25 October 2025 that system capacity has dropped to a critical 34.38%. The situation, confirmed in an official public notice, highlights a growing emergency that affects several key areas, including Fochville, Carletonville, Khutsong, and Kokosi, while Wedela remains relatively stable.
The ongoing restrictions and critically low reservoir levels have triggered widespread water shortage, especially in high-lying regions, prompting emergency interventions from the local municipality.
Current Situation: A System on the Brink
According to the notice, the Merafong area’s water system is severely strained due to extremely low system inflow pressure, recorded between 0.8 and 1.5 bar. This reduced inflow pressure has significantly hampered the municipality’s ability to maintain consistent water supply levels.
The report indicates that the crisis stems largely from ongoing water restrictions and insufficient inflows, causing several reservoirs to drop to dangerously low levels. As of 25 October, key reservoir statistics show a worrying picture:
Overall, the total combined capacity of 43.5 million litres is sitting at just over a third of full functionality, marking a critical threshold.
Most Affected Areas
The situation is most dire in Fochville, Carletonville, Khutsong, and Kokosi, where some reservoirs are nearly empty. Residents in these areas have reported frequent water outages and low-pressure taps, particularly in elevated suburbs.
By contrast, Wedela has maintained a stable and “high” water status thanks to localised inflow management. However, municipal engineers warn that even Wedela’s stability could be temporary if the system’s main pressure does not recover soon.
Municipal Response: Technical Teams in Action
The Merafong Municipality’s technical team is reportedly working around the clock to stabilize the system. Efforts are being made to prioritize water supply to essential services, including hospitals and schools, ensuring that critical facilities remain operational during the crisis.
Municipal Manager Dumisani D. Mabuza, in an electronically signed statement, assured residents that every measure is being taken to restore stability: “Efforts are being prioritised to ensure that essential services, including hospitals and schools, continue to receive adequate water resources,” Mabuza stated.
He also thanked the community for their patience and cooperation during the crisis, emphasizing that emergency interventions are ongoing.
Emergency Relief Measures: Tanker Deployment
To mitigate the shortages, the municipality has rolled out an emergency water tanker deployment schedule targeting Carletonville East and Carletonville Hospital, among others.
Water Tanker Schedule – Carletonville East
Platinum Street: 10h00 – 14h00
Flint Street: 10h00 – 14h00
Iridium Street: 10h00 – 14h00
Agnew Road: 10h00 – 14h00
Kudu Street: 10h00 – 14h00
At Carletonville Hospital, a continuous tanker supply is in place to safeguard patient care and hygiene standards. Schools and other essential service providers have also been prioritised for regular tanker updates.
The municipality confirmed that additional tankers will be dispatched to the most affected neighborhoods as the situation demands.
Community Reaction and Outlook
Residents have expressed growing frustration as water interruptions extend over several days, affecting domestic routines, sanitation, and local businesses. Social media groups across the region have been abuzz with concerns about transparency, infrastructure maintenance, and long-term water security.
Despite these challenges, the municipality has called for solidarity and understanding, noting that recovery will depend on both technical improvements and community cooperation.
A Call for Resilience
The Merafong water crisis underscores the fragility of the city’s infrastructure and the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions. While immediate tanker relief provides short-term respite, long-term strategies, including reservoir rehabilitation, improved pressure regulation, and infrastructure upgrades, remain crucial for ensuring water security.
As the municipality continues its emergency efforts, residents are urged to use water sparingly, report leaks promptly, and stay informed through official municipal channels.
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