Heidelberg and Lesedi residents urged to prepare for three-day Rand Water maintenance from July 17
Residents in Heidelberg, Nigel, Ratanda and across Lesedi Local Municipality are being urged to prepare for possible low water pressure and intermittent water supply as Rand Water and Eskom undertake critical infrastructure maintenance.
Residents in Heidelberg, Nigel, Ratanda and the wider Lesedi Local Municipality have been advised to prepare for possible water supply disruptions as Rand Water and Eskom embark on the second phase of a major planned infrastructure maintenance programme later this month.
The maintenance is scheduled to commence at 07:00 on July 17 and conclude at 19:00 on July 19, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the reliability and resilience of Gauteng’s bulk water supply network.
In a media statement issued on July 8, Rand Water said the work follows the successful completion of the first phase of the maintenance programme, which took place between May 29 and June 2.
The utility said the programme is essential to ensure the continued efficient operation of the bulk water system and to improve long-term service reliability.
During the three-day maintenance period, Eskom will carry out critical electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch Purification Plant, while Rand Water will complete the final cross-connections between existing and newly constructed pipelines.
The maintenance will result in reduced pumping capacity across several of Rand Water’s key systems. The Palmiet System will operate at 78% of its normal capacity, the Zwartkopjes System at 50%, and the Eikenhof System at 55%. In addition, the Mapleton System will be completely shut down for 12 hours during the maintenance period.
Rand Water cautioned that the reduced pumping capacity may lead to low water pressure or intermittent water supply in several municipalities, depending on reservoir levels and water demand.
Residents are therefore encouraged to use water sparingly before and during the maintenance period and to store sufficient water for essential household needs.
With Lesedi residents still recovering from recent water supply challenges, municipal authorities are expected to closely monitor reservoir levels throughout the maintenance period and implement measures to minimise disruptions where possible.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official communication channels and to use water responsibly before, during, and immediately after the maintenance period to help stabilise the water supply network.
