Durban water relief: Here’s when you can expect supply to return

Residents and businesses affected by the Southern Aqueduct water supply disruption can expect water to gradually return after emergency repairs to the pipeline were completed.

The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that technical teams have finished repairing the severe leak that developed on the pipeline during the charging process on 20 August 2026.

Southern Aqueduct repairs completed

The leak developed at Work Package 6 on Northbourne Road in Westville while the Prestressed Concrete Pipeline (PCP) was being charged following a planned shutdown linked to the Southern Aqueduct Upgrade Project.

The severity of the leak forced technical teams to shut down and isolate the pipeline again while repairs were carried out.

Municipal teams then reportedly worked around the clock to complete the repairs and return the pipeline to service.

The municipality has now confirmed that the necessary work has been completed.

Water will return gradually

Although repairs are finished, Durban residents should not expect water to return everywhere at the same time.

The municipality said water supply will be gradually restored from the evening of 23 August as the system is brought back into operation.

Residents in affected areas may therefore see their water return at different times as the network progressively recovers.

The staggered restoration is expected as the system is recharged and water pressure and reservoir levels recover.

Durban residents who do not immediately have water after restoration begins are therefore advised to allow time for the system to stabilise.