Residents of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni should prepare for water disruptions as Rand Water undertakes essential infrastructure maintenance. This critical project aims to upgrade and repair key water systems, but it will cause intermittent water shortages and low pressure across several areas. Understanding the scope, affected locations, and contingency measures can help households and businesses manage the impact during this period.
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Why Is Rand Water Conducting Maintenance?
Rand Water started a major maintenance project on June 30, 2025, which will run until July 18, 2025. The goal is to increase capacity, improve reliability, and enhance the efficiency of water supply systems ahead of the high-demand winter season starting mid-August. This maintenance involves pipe repairs, valve replacements, and reduced pumping activity at key water systems such as Eikenhof, Zwartkopjes, and Palmiet.
The project follows an earlier phase that successfully connected a new pipeline and upgraded several water supply stations. However, the current phase requires temporary reductions in water pumping, which will inevitably disrupt supply to various municipalities, including Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.
Areas Affected by Water Interruptions
Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni will experience low water pressure or complete outages in multiple neighborhoods. In Johannesburg, affected areas include Soweto, Randburg, Roodepoort, Lenasia, Crown Gardens, Brixton, Hursthill, Crosby, Aeroton, and Naturena. Ekurhuleni residents in Isandovale, Edengale, De Klerkshof, Eastleigh, Hurlyvale, Highway Gardens, Buurendal, Illiondale, Sebenza, and Meadowdale should also expect interruptions.
Other municipalities such as Tshwane, Rand West, Mogale City, and Madibeng will likely face similar disruptions. Rand Water has advised that all meters connected to these systems will be impacted.
Duration and Recovery of Water Supply
The maintenance is scheduled to last approximately 21 days. During this time, water supply will fluctuate, with some areas experiencing complete outages. Once the maintenance concludes, water systems will require additional time to stabilize. Recovery may take anywhere from five to fourteen days, depending on system conditions and elevation.
Residents in low-lying areas can expect faster restoration, while those in high-lying zones should prepare for delays. Johannesburg Water has committed to phasing the recovery to prioritize critical systems like the Commando system, which will face extended outages.
LEARN MORE: 16 Days of Water Outages in Joburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni: List of Affected Areas
Contingency Measures: Water Tankers and Customer Support
Both Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni municipalities have promised to deploy water tankers to assist communities during the outages. These tankers will supply water to affected neighborhoods, helping residents meet essential needs. The City of Ekurhuleni has already shared tanker locations for areas such as Benoni, Wattville, Edenvale, Kempton Park, Germiston, and Boksburg.
Johannesburg Water urges residents to prepare for limited water availability and use water sparingly. They have also set up a 24-hour hotline and SMS line for customer inquiries:
- Hotline: 011 688 1699 / 086 056 2874
- SMS: 076 333 5052
- Email: [email protected]
Residents should stay updated through official municipal channels for the latest information on outages and tanker schedules.
How Residents Can Prepare for Water Disruptions
To minimize inconvenience during this maintenance period, residents should:
- Store sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene before outages begin.
- Use water sparingly and avoid unnecessary consumption.
- Monitor local announcements for updates on water supply and tanker availability.
- Report any urgent water needs or leaks to municipal authorities promptly.
- Consider alternative water sources if possible.
By taking these precautions, households and businesses can better cope with the temporary disruptions.
Importance of the Maintenance for Long-Term Water Security
While the short-term water interruptions pose challenges, the maintenance is crucial for ensuring long-term water security in Gauteng. Upgrading pipelines and pumping stations will improve system capacity and reliability, reducing the risk of future outages. This proactive approach prepares the region for increased demand during colder months and supports sustainable water management.
Rand Water and municipal authorities emphasize that this maintenance is an investment in the future, aiming to provide a stable and efficient water supply to millions of residents.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni face unavoidable water disruptions due to Rand Water’s vital maintenance work. Residents should expect intermittent supply, low pressure, and possible outages until mid-July, followed by a recovery period. However, the deployment of water tankers and clear communication channels will help mitigate the impact.
By staying informed, conserving water, and utilizing available resources, communities can navigate this challenging period while supporting the long-term goal of a more reliable water system.
