WaterCAN, a civil society group, has issued urgent warnings regarding the water crisis in Johannesburg, claiming that many residents are currently experiencing conditions akin to 'Day Zero.' This term is used to describe a situation where municipal water supplies are no longer available, necessitating the indefinite reliance on alternate sources. According to WaterCAN, areas such as Kensington, Emmarentia, and Meldene have endured severe outages, with some neighborhoods going without water for nearly three weeks. The breakdown in water supply has prompted severe distress among residents, who depend on the reliability of municipal services for their daily needs.

The organization has called on the South African government to act proactively by declaring Johannesburg a national disaster area, an action that could potentially mobilize resources and support for the hard-hit communities. They have also demanded that Johannesburg Water provide frequent updates to the public regarding water supply status, stating that better communication is essential in addressing the ongoing crisis. The extreme weather conditions, coupled with inadequate municipal responses, are seen as exacerbating factors to an already critical situation.

WaterCAN's statements highlight the broader implications of Johannesburg's water crisis, which is shaped by systemic issues including aging infrastructure and inconsistent supply management. The reference to 'Day Zero' serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective water management solutions and public engagement to prevent further deterioration of living conditions in one of South Africa's major cities. The organization’s appeals for governmental action reflect a growing frustration within the community regarding the perceived negligence and lack of accountability from the authorities.