eThekwini Municipality said on 1 October 2026 that the planned Southern Aqueduct shutdown had been completed and that the bulk-water system was being progressively returned to operation.
The municipality said reservoirs supplied by the aqueduct had begun refilling. Reservoirs that were completely depleted may recover more slowly because the network must first rebuild sufficient flow and pressure.
Water restoration is therefore expected to vary between affected communities. The municipal update said some areas could begin receiving water on Friday morning, 2 October, while full restoration in other areas might extend to Saturday, 3 October.
Customers may experience low pressure while the system stabilises. The completion notice confirms the end of the planned shutdown, not simultaneous full restoration across every affected reservoir zone.
The shutdown was undertaken so a contractor could carry out work on the Southern Aqueduct upgrade. Civic Ledger previously recorded the scheduled 29 September to 1 October interruption and the Work Package 6 tie-ins described in the municipality's earlier notice.
What it means
The construction shutdown has ended, but network recovery is a separate operational phase. Completion of the works does not mean every affected household immediately has normal pressure or supply.
Correction history
No material correction is recorded for this article as of 3 October 2026. Any correction will be listed on the corrections register.