Thousands of residents across Ekurhuleni could experience low water pressure or complete water interruptions between 29 May and 17 July 2026 as Rand Water begins major infrastructure maintenance across Gauteng. The City of Ekurhuleni has warned that several suburbs, townships and industrial areas may be affected during different maintenance phases linked to pump stations, reservoirs, and bulk water systems.
According to the city, the interruptions form part of Rand Water’s planned systems maintenance programme aimed at improving plant reliability, infrastructure stability and long term water security.
Municipal officials warned that full recovery may take several days in some high lying areas and communities supplied through pumping systems.
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Rand Water Maintenance to Impact Multiple Regions
The first major interruption is scheduled for 29 May 2026 from 07h00 to 19h00, when Eskom maintenance work at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch and Palmiet pump stations will affect water pumping into the Palmiet, Zwartkopjes and Mapleton systems.
Additional maintenance phases will continue into July and include:
- Replacement of raw water motors
- Valve and thrust bearing replacements
- Reservoir inspections and cleaning
- Pipeline cross connections
- Reduced pumping operations
Residents may experience:
- Low water pressure
- Intermittent supply
- Complete water outages in some areas
- Delayed restoration after maintenance
Ekurhuleni Areas Expected to Be Affected
The City of Ekurhuleni’s notice lists dozens of communities expected to experience disruptions during the maintenance period.
Areas Affected by Planned Water Interruptions
| Region | Areas/Suburbs Affected |
|---|---|
| Alberton and Thokoza | Albertsdal, Brackendowns, Brackenhurst, Meyersdal, Raceview, Verwoerdpark, Thokoza, Eden Park, New Redruth |
| Germiston | Germiston CBD, Lambton, Tedstoneville, Elsburg, Dinwiddie, Wadeville, Roodekop, Gosforth Park, Malvern East, Primrose, Driehoek |
| Bedfordview and Edenvale | Bedfordview, Sunnyrock, Meadowdale, Dowerglen, Eastleigh, Sebenza, Edenglen, Dunvegan, Harmelia |
| Kempton Park | Glen Marais, Birchleigh, Rhodesfield, Edleen, Terenure, Pomona, Spartan, Aston Manor, Van Riebeeck Park |
| Thembisa and Clayville | Clayville extensions, Hospital View, Oakmoor, Emoyeni, Tsenelong, Moriting, Sethokga, Midstream boundary developments |
| Benoni | Benoni CBD, Farrarmere, Northmead, Rynfield, Lakefield, Morehill, Brentwood Park |
| Boksburg | Sunward Park, Spruitview, Leondale, Elspark, Witfield, Anderbolt, Bartlett, Beyers Park |
| Springs and Brakpan | Dalpark, Sonneveld, Tsakani, Selcourt, Strubenvale, Minnebron, Dalview |
| Nigel and Duduza | Nigel, Ferryvale, Sharon Park, Mackenziville, Duduza, Bluegum View, Coolbreeze |
| Vosloorus and Kwa Thema | Vosloorus extensions, Dawn Park, Windmill Park, Vila Lisa, Kwa Thema extensions 2 and 3 |
Long Recovery Times Expected in Some Areas
One of the longest maintenance periods is scheduled from 29 May to 2 June 2026, when reduced pumping into the Palmiet system could continue for 96 hours.
The city warned that full recovery may not happen immediately after maintenance ends.
“Full recovery of the system may take up to 10 days after completion of work,” the notice stated.
A separate maintenance phase from 17 July to 19 July 2026 could also affect parts of Springs, Duduza, Nigel and Kwa Thema due to pipeline cross connections within the Mapleton system.
Water Tankers to Be Deployed
The City of Ekurhuleni said water tankers will be dispatched to affected residential areas during major interruptions. Specific tanker locations are expected to be communicated closer to the maintenance dates.
Officials urged residents to use water sparingly throughout the maintenance period to help stabilise the system.
Why Rand Water Is Conducting Maintenance
According to Rand Water and the City of Ekurhuleni, the maintenance programme is intended to improve:
- System reliability
- Infrastructure performance
- Pump station efficiency
- Long term water security
- Operational stability during peak demand
The city also confirmed that reservoir inspections and cleaning will take place at:
- Klipfontein Reservoirs 1 and 2
- Northridge Reservoir
Officials said this work is not expected to directly interrupt supply.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The large scale maintenance programme reflects growing pressure on Gauteng’s bulk water infrastructure as population growth and urban demand continue increasing.
For residents, the planned interruptions could impact:
- Daily household water use
- Schools and clinics
- Restaurants and shopping centres
- Industrial operations
- Sanitation services
- Remote work arrangements
High lying communities supplied through pumping systems are expected to face slower recovery times.
The interruptions also come during Gauteng’s winter season, when infrastructure demand often increases.
How Residents Can Prepare
Residents in affected areas are encouraged to prepare before scheduled interruptions begin by:
- Storing clean drinking water
- Filling containers and buckets in advance
- Using water sparingly
- Monitoring municipal communication channels
- Preparing for possible extended recovery periods
Municipal officials said restoration will depend on the recovery speed of Rand Water systems after maintenance work concludes.
FAQ
When do the planned water interruptions start?
The first major interruption begins on 29 May 2026 at 07h00.
Which parts of Ekurhuleni will be affected?
Areas across Alberton, Germiston, Benoni, Kempton Park, Thembisa, Boksburg, Springs, Nigel and Kwa Thema may experience disruptions.
Will some areas lose water completely?
Yes. Certain communities may experience complete outages while others may only have reduced pressure.
Will water tankers be available?
Yes. The city said tankers will be deployed to affected residential communities.
How long could recovery take?
Some systems may take between two and 10 days to fully recover after maintenance is completed.
What Happens Next
Rand Water’s maintenance programme is expected to continue until 17 July 2026, with several scheduled interruption periods planned across Ekurhuleni during this time.
The City of Ekurhuleni is expected to issue additional notices before each maintenance phase, including tanker deployment details, recovery updates and any emergency changes to the maintenance schedule.
