Gauteng Faces Major Water Outages: 107-Hour Disruptions
Gauteng residents should prepare for significant water outages this week, as Rand Water begins a large-scale winter maintenance programme that will impact key areas across the province. Some outages are set to last up to 107 hours, with the City of Ekurhuleni bearing the brunt of the disruptions.
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Why Is Rand Water Carrying Out Maintenance?
Rand Water is rolling out critical upgrades and inspections on its main infrastructure to boost pumping capacity, improve plant reliability, and enhance overall system efficiency. While these upgrades aim to strengthen long-term water supply, they bring short-term challenges for households and businesses.
To reduce the disruption, Rand Water has timed the maintenance for the winter months—typically May to July—when demand for water is usually lower. However, even with this careful planning, residents in already water-stressed areas are likely to feel the strain.
Key Dates and Affected Areas
The maintenance kicks off on Thursday, 29 May 2025, and runs through to Monday, 02 June 2025. Multiple locations across Gauteng will experience varying levels of water supply interruptions during this period.
Ekurhuleni Faces the Longest Outages
Ekurhuleni will experience the most severe disruptions. One outage is expected to last 107 hours, making it the longest during this maintenance cycle. In addition, Rand Water will shut down the Palmiet System on 03 June 2025, from 6am to 4pm, to clean and inspect the Klipriviersberg isolation section.
Tshwane – Mapleton Booster Pumping Station
In Tshwane, Rand Water will connect the newly built B16 pipeline to Engine Room 3 at the Mapleton Booster Pumping Station. This major upgrade will take four and a half days, starting on 29 May and ending on 02 June 2025. To soften the impact, the City of Tshwane plans to pre-fill its reservoirs to over 80% capacity before the shutdown begins.
Additional Affected Municipalities
Other municipalities expected to feel the impact include:
- Rand West
- Mogale City
- Madibeng
- Rustenburg
- Emfuleni
These areas may experience water outages lasting between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the maintenance work required.
Pumping Stations Affected
Rand Water’s maintenance will reduce capacity at four critical pumping stations:
- Eikenhof
- Palmiet
- Mapleton
- Zwartkopjes
These stations play a vital role in supplying and maintaining water pressure across Gauteng. The temporary reduction in their capacity will likely affect water availability in multiple areas.
How Should Residents and Businesses Prepare?
Rand Water and local municipalities urge residents to take proactive steps to manage the disruptions:
- Conserve water in the lead-up to and during the maintenance period.
- Store water in advance, especially in areas facing extended outages.
- Businesses and institutions should have on-site water storage to last at least 36 hours.
- Water tankers will serve areas with no supply, particularly in high-risk or vulnerable communities.
Ongoing Water Woes Add to the Pressure
This maintenance announcement comes at a time when Gauteng residents are already dealing with an erratic water supply. Some neighborhoods regularly face dry taps for days or even weeks. These planned disruptions could intensify public frustration.
The severity of the situation became evident recently when the Johannesburg High Court closed due to a water shortage—a stark example of how critical infrastructure issues can halt even essential public services.
Rand Water’s upcoming maintenance is a necessary step toward long-term improvements in Gauteng’s water infrastructure. Still, the province will face short-term discomfort and possible service disruptions. By preparing early and heeding municipal advice, residents and businesses can limit the impact of these unavoidable upgrades.
If Rand Water’s efforts succeed, Gauteng could soon enjoy a more stable and efficient water supply system—one that can withstand growing demand and future challenges.
