This is a series of articles on the supply of water to Johannesburg, particularly the long-term viability of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Human Rights Commission calls for submissions on Gauteng water crisis
The public has until 30 April to make submissions. Hearings are planned for May.
By Seth Thorne
Brief | 15 April 2026
Joburg households set up their own network to deal with the water crisis
Started by a Ridgeway resident, the borehole network connects about 100 private homes across 15 suburbs
News | 9 April 2026
Take me to the river: baptisms in Joburg’s polluted water
Years of systemic failures have poisoned the Klip River
By Seth Thorne
News | 3 April 2026
“We can go weeks without water, and no one seems to care”
Elderly residents of Lehae in Johannesburg battle to fetch water
News | 25 March 2026
Johannesburg: Where water runs in the streets, but not in the taps
Nearly half the city’s water is lost to leaks
By Seth Thorne
News | 2 March 2026
Despite President’s promise, Joburg protesters say they still have no water
Meanwhile Johannesburg Water struggles to supply Mellville, especially higher areas
Photo Essay | 21 February 2026
“Smell me! I haven’t had water for 24 days” protester tells Joburg mayor
Frustrated residents carried empty containers in the streets to protest ongoing water crisis
Brief | 11 February 2026
Melville enters third week without water
Volunteers work shifts to provide 50 litres of water per person per day
Brief | 9 February 2026
Midrand residents protest six-day water outage
Large parts of Johannesburg have been without water
Brief | 3 February 2026