City Warns of Unsafe Tankers Amid Gauteng Water Shortages During Rand Water Work

Rand Water’s Maintenance and Concerns Over Tanker Safety Continue to Cause Water Supply Disruptions in Gauteng

Residents of Gauteng are facing continued water disruptions due to ongoing maintenance by Rand Water, the province’s main bulk water supplier. These interruptions, caused by essential infrastructure repairs, are expected to persist until at least July 21, 2025. As water supply issues continue, authorities are urging caution. Relying on water tankers, which are unregulated or unauthorized, poses significant public safety concerns.

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Rand Water’s Maintenance Works and Ongoing Water Disruptions

Rand Water initiated major maintenance operations in May 2025 to prevent large-scale failures in water supply. The maintenance is focused on key systems, particularly at Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes. Residents in parts of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane are experiencing intermittent or no water supply due to these ongoing repairs.

While the work is necessary to upgrade infrastructure and prevent long-term issues, Rand Water has warned that it could take several days to restore full water supply after the upgrades. This disruption is expected to affect various communities throughout Gauteng for the foreseeable future.

Concerns Over Unauthorized Tankers

In response to the water supply disruptions, many households and businesses have resorted to using unauthorized water tankers to meet their daily needs. However, the City of Johannesburg has raised serious concerns about the safety and health risks associated with these unregulated tankers. Unauthorized tankers pose a significant danger due to several factors:

• Uncertified Water Quality Testing: Water supplied by unlicensed tankers may not undergo proper sanitation or quality testing, putting residents at risk of contamination.
• Tank Maintenance Issues: Tankers that are not regularly cleaned and maintained could contribute to water contamination, further jeopardizing public health.
• Profit from Exploitation: Unauthorized operators are taking advantage of the water crisis. They are profiting by delivering unregulated water, often without the necessary certifications.

In light of these risks, city officials have strongly advised residents to only use licensed tankers that are certified for safety and hygiene. When arranging for water deliveries, residents should always verify the credentials of the tanker operators. This can be done by consulting municipal hotlines or contacting local councillors.

Collaborative Efforts for Healthcare and Emergency Systems

Despite the challenges caused by the ongoing maintenance, Johannesburg Water, Rand Water, and the Gauteng Department of Health have collaborated to ensure that critical services remain unaffected. Hospitals, including Hillbrow Community Health Centre and Helen Joseph Hospital, along with Rand Water, have activated emergency water systems. These include JoJo tanks and backup boreholes to ensure continuous water supply for patient care.

These efforts are crucial in maintaining public health. They ensure that essential services, especially in healthcare facilities, are not disrupted during the ongoing water crisis.

Preparing for Water Supply Fluctuations

With the ongoing maintenance work, residents are encouraged to take proactive measures. This ensures they are prepared for potential water supply fluctuations throughout July. Here are some essential tips for preparing during this period:

• Store Clean Drinking Water: Keep a large supply of clean drinking water in sealed containers. This is to reduce reliance on tankers during outages.
• Use Certified Tankers: When using water tankers, always ensure that the tankers are licensed and certified for safety. This will ensure that the water is safe for consumption.
• Proper Water Storage: After refilling water containers, make sure to cover and store them upright in a cool, clean environment. This helps to maintain water quality.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and alerts from local authorities. This regards expected outages and water quality issues.
• Report Suspicious Tanker Activity: If you encounter any suspicious tanker activity or unlicensed water deliveries, report them immediately to the local authorities.

Gauteng’s Long-Term Water Security

Experts warn that Gauteng’s water infrastructure faces significant challenges. This is due to insufficient investment, high water losses in local distribution networks, and ongoing maintenance work by Rand Water. While the current infrastructure repairs are essential for stabilizing the supply, long-term solutions are needed to address the underlying issues.

To secure the future of water supply in Gauteng, experts call for increased investment in infrastructure upgrades, better municipal water management practices, and a more robust regulatory framework for tanker operators.

Public Health

The ongoing water disruptions in Gauteng are a reminder of the urgent need for long-term solutions to ensure the province’s water security. In the short term, the use of emergency water supplies and proper regulation of tanker usage will remain critical in safeguarding public health. By staying informed, taking necessary precautions, and using certified water sources, residents can protect themselves and their families during this challenging period.