Media and Public Statement: uMngeni-uThukela Water restores full pumping capacity to Durban Heights Water Treatment Works
Monday, 16 March 2026
uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) confirms that as of today, 16 March 2026, the pumping of raw water to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works has returned to full capacity. The bulk supply of raw water to the facility has now been fully restored, enabling the treatment works to operate at normal levels and supply treated water to the eThekwini Metro distribution network.
The disruption to supply was caused by a valve that became stuck in a closed position. The fault significantly reduced the volume of raw water that could be conveyed to the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works, resulting in a supply deficit of approximately 150 megalitres of water to the eThekwini Metro since Wednesday, 11 March 2026.
Technical teams worked to resolve the issue and restore the system to normal operating capacity. While the situation at uMngeni-uThukela Water has now normalised, the recovery of water levels within the eThekwini municipal reservoir system will take additional time. It is estimated that it may take up to two weeks for reservoirs across the affected areas in the eThekwini Municipality to fully recover and stabilise.
The rate of recovery will vary depending on location. Low-lying areas connected directly to the main supply lines are expected to recover more quickly as pressure returns to the system. Higher-lying areas and communities located at the far ends of the distribution network may take longer to experience full restoration of supply as reservoir levels gradually rebuild.
We therefore plead with communities to use water sparingly in order to allow the system to recover in the shortest possible time.
uMngeni-uThukela Water apologises for the inconvenience caused and thanks stakeholders and members of the public for their patience and understanding during this period.
Issued by: uMngeni-uThukela Water, Office of the Chief Executive, Marketing and Communications Unit
