Rand Water Phase 2 Maintenance Triggers 10-Hour Water Outages in Johannesburg

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Johannesburg residents are experiencing another round of water supply disruptions as Rand Water enters Phase 2 of its infrastructure maintenance programme. The water outage, which began on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, is expected to last 10 hours, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., affecting pumping capacity at 67%.

ALSO READ: Joburg Braces for 21-Day Water Outage as Rand Water Launches Pipeline Repairs

Water Outage: A City-Wide Impact on Water Supply

The second phase of maintenance is targeting Johannesburg’s Palmiet System, impacting various key areas including:

Sandton Systems
Alexander Park Reservoir
South Hills Tower
Randjieslaagte Reservoir
Linksfield Reservoir
Midrand Systems

Though pumping has not ceased completely, it has been reduced significantly. Rand Water and Johannesburg Water have urged residents to use water sparingly and to report any major leaks during the water outage period.

Purpose of the Maintenance

The primary reason for the interruption is to clean and conduct structural assessments on Rand Water’s Klipriviersberg No. 1 Reservoir, as required by law. Speaking from the South Hills Water Tower, Logan Munsamy, Senior Manager for Water Demand Management at Johannesburg Water, reassured the public that this phase is less intensive than the first and that the system is well-buffered.

“This is not a full shutdown; 67% of pumping will still occur,” said Munsamy. “Areas serviced by reservoir zones should maintain supply, but those relying on direct pumping systems may experience low pressure or no water—especially those in high-lying zones.”

Water Outage: Recovery Will Take Time

Although the first phase concluded successfully, and pumping has resumed at the Mapleton Pumping Station in Boksburg, residents are advised that full recovery of the system will take a few days. Even after the maintenance ends, some neighbourhoods may continue experiencing supply issues as the system stabilises.

Mitigation Measures: Water Tankers Deployed

To alleviate the inconvenience, the City of Johannesburg has deployed 97 water tankers to affected areas. These include fixed points and roaming units, especially in high-density suburbs. Here are some key water supply locations:

Midrand Areas

Ward 77: Empumelelo Clinic, Mikateka School Ext 9
Ward 78: Ext 5–8 (Freedom Drive, Bob Marley Street)
Ward 79: Hlakanipha Street, Emthonjeni Taxi Rank
Ward 80: Kanana Sports Ground, Rabie Ridge
Ward 110–133: Locations such as Mayibuye Primary, SPCA Glen Austin, Ebony Park, Crowthorne Shopping Centre, and Polo Fields

Sandton and Alexandra

Ward 103: Morningside Shopping Centre, Sandton Fire Station, Benmore
Ward 105 & East Bank: Mauritius, Altrek, Lebogang Street, East Bank Avenue
Ward 107: Multiple roaming tanks throughout Alexandra, including 10th–16th Avenue, Sankopano, Realogile High, and St Michael’s Church

Residents are encouraged to visit their local councillor’s social media pages or Johannesburg Water’s official channels for updated water tanker locations and any changes to the schedule.

Public Advisory and Communication

Johannesburg Water has assured the public that real-time updates will be provided should unexpected issues arise. “Being a 10-hour maintenance period, we do not expect long-term outages, but contingency motor tanking is ready in case of emergencies,” said Munsamy.

Water users are reminded to:

Fill containers before the outage starts
Limit water use during the affected hours
Report leaks or illegal connections immediately

What to Expect Going Forward

While this maintenance work is necessary to ensure long-term water reliability, Johannesburg residents should brace for intermittent disruptions through July as infrastructure upgrades continue.

The City urges all households and businesses to cooperate during this water outage. Though inconvenient, these upgrades aim to modernise Johannesburg’s ageing water system, ensuring a sustainable supply for future generations.