18/06/2026
WATER SUPPLY UPDATE
18 June 2026 | 20:40
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipalityโs water distribution system remains under severe strain, with all strategic distribution reservoirs either depleted or operating at critically low levels. As a result, many areas across the metro continue to experience water supply disruptions, low pressure, or intermittent supply.
Current Reservoir Status and Affected Areas
1. Motherwell Zone
* Motherwell Reservoirs are currently at 26% capacity.
* The zone remains relatively stable; however, higher-lying areas continue to experience low water pressure and intermittent supply.
2. Chelsea Zone
* Reservoir levels remain critically low at below 7%.
* Most areas supplied by this zone are experiencing significant water disruptions.
3. Greenbushes Zone
* Reservoir levels remain critically low.
* Residents in areas supplied by this zone continue to experience water outages and reduced supply.
4. KwaNobuhle Zone
* Reservoir levels have improved and are currently in the mid-30% range.
* Water supply is gradually being restored to affected communities.
5. Fairbridge Heights Zone
* Fairbridge Heights Reservoir is currently at 40% capacity.
* Supply in this zone is relatively stable, although residents are encouraged to continue using water sparingly.
6. Heatherbank and Lovemore Heights Zones
* Heatherbank Reservoir: 2%
* Lovemore Heights Reservoir: below 13%
* Upper Tank: 24%
* These areas remain under severe pressure, with ongoing supply interruptions, particularly in higher-lying sections.
7. Bloemendal Zone
* Bloemendal Reservoir is currently at 2% capacity.
* Many areas, particularly the northern parts of the metro supplied by this zone, are experiencing water outages.
8. Rosedale โ Kabah โ Langa Zone
* Water supply remains critical in this area.
* Production at the Kabah Water Treatment Works has stabilised at approximately 8 megalitres per day, but this remains insufficient to fully meet demand.
* Residents continue to experience prolonged water disruptions.
Interventions Underway
Municipal teams continue to implement several measures to stabilise the water supply system and accelerate recovery, including:
* Optimisation of water treatment works and pump station operations.
* Procurement and replenishment of treatment chemicals at all water treatment works supplying the metro.
* Ongoing public awareness and communication regarding the current water challenges.
* Deployment of water tankers to provide emergency water relief to affected communities.
* Daily operational adjustments across the network to improve system performance and support faster recovery.
Recovery Outlook
While these interventions are beginning to yield positive results in certain areas, the recovery of the overall water distribution system remains slow due to the extent of reservoir depletion across the metro.
If current interventions continue to perform as anticipated, a gradual recovery of the water system is expected over the next 14 days. Residents are advised that restoration will not occur simultaneously across all areas, and recovery times will vary depending on reservoir levels, location, elevation, and system pressures.
The Municipality apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks residents for their patience and cooperation during this challenging period.