Joburg Water Explores Private Supply as AfriForum Calls for Change

Johannesburg Water is exploring whether private producers could supplement the city’s water supply through a short-term programme.

The utility issued a request for information on 6 October 2026, with responses due by noon on 16 October. It seeks details on alternative sources, including surface water and groundwater, and the treatment, storage and infrastructure needed to use them.

AfriForum has welcomed consideration of alternatives while sharply criticising the municipal delivery model. In a statement dated 13 October, the lobby group argued that private and community-driven institutions should be allowed to help deliver essential services.

The organisation describes the move as an acknowledgement of municipal failure. Johannesburg Water’s document presents the exercise as market research to support its water-demand management strategy.

What Is Being Considered?

The request asks potential providers for information covering:

• Water sources and production capacity.

• Treatment and storage arrangements.

• Water quality, with reference to the SANS 241 drinking-water standard.

• Pricing, metering and maintenance.

• Delivery points approved and supervised by Johannesburg Water.

The document explicitly states that it does not constitute an offer to enter into a contract. It therefore establishes an investigation into supplementary supply, rather than a completed agreement or a transfer of the municipal water service.

Extra Supply Alongside Infrastructure Repairs

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala told Business Day, in reporting published by TimesLIVE on 13 October, that the request was intended to gather information for longer-term water security.

She identified ageing infrastructure, funding constraints, infrastructure-renewal backlogs, and growing demand as challenges facing the utility. She also said Johannesburg Water was pursuing demand-management projects to reduce consumption and non-revenue water.

Non-revenue water includes water lost through leaks or supplied without generating revenue. The utility’s explanation places supplementary sources alongside work on the existing system, rather than establishing extra supply as a complete solution.

For households and businesses, the request provides no confirmed date for improved supply or an end to interruptions.

Where Residents Can Check and Report Problems

Johannesburg Water lists these fault-reporting channels:

• Telephone: 010 061 4470 or 0860 562 874.

• Email: fault@jwater.co.za.

• Official updates: @JHBWater on X and Johannesburg Water on Facebook.

For supply information and reporting details, visit Johannesburg Water’s daily water notices page. Check the date on each notice before relying on an affected-area list or repair estimate.

The Bottom Line

The request creates an opportunity to assess additional water sources. Its value will depend on whether viable proposals progress into arrangements that deliver safe, affordable and reliable supply.