The City of Ekurhuleni has advised residents and businesses to prepare for possible water interruptions as Rand Water undertakes planned maintenance from May 29 to July 19, 2026.

During this period, parts of the metro are expected to experience intermittent water supply and/or reduced water pressure as key infrastructure works are carried out.

The city said water tankers will be deployed to affected areas where necessary, with locations and schedules to be communicated closer to the time via official digital communication platforms.

Gradual recovery expected after maintenance

City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson Zweli Dlamini cautioned that even after maintenance is completed, the water supply will not return to normal immediately.

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Systems will require time to rebuild pressure, with some high-lying areas potentially experiencing delayed recovery of up to two weeks.

Residents encouraged to store water

In preparation for the disruption, residents and businesses are urged to take the following precautions:

• Store sufficient clean water in sealed containers for essential use
• Reduce non-essential water consumption, such as irrigation, car washing, and topping up swimming pools
• Monitor official updates from the City of Ekurhuleni and Rand Water regarding tanker locations and supply updates

Maintenance work and affected systems

The planned work includes major operations across key supply systems, including pump station maintenance at Zuikerbosch and Palmiet, as well as valve replacements and extended motor replacement works.

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The maintenance will be implemented in phases, with the most significant periods including:

• May 29 (12-hour maintenance window): Eskom-related maintenance at Rand Water pump stations, affecting large parts of Germiston, Edenvale, Boksburg, Kempton Park, and Thembisa, among others.
• May 29 to June 2 (96 hours): Replacement of raw water motors at Zuikerbosch, affecting extensive areas across Germiston, Edenvale, Kempton Park, and surrounding regions.
• May 29 to May 30 (23 hours): Valve and thrust bearing replacement work impacting parts of Katlehong, Boksburg, Benoni, and Germiston.
• July 17 (12-hour maintenance): Additional Eskom maintenance at Zuikerbosch and surrounding systems affecting multiple areas.
• July 17 to July 19 (60 hours): M11 pipeline cross-connection work within the Mapleton system affecting Brakpan, Springs, Kwa-Thema, Duduza, Nigel, and surrounding communities.

Wide impact across Ekurhuleni

The City confirmed that a broad range of communities will be affected across the metro, including areas in:

• Germiston and surrounding suburbs
• Edenvale and Bedfordview
• Boksburg and Benoni
• Kempton Park and surrounding extensions
• Thembisa and Clayville areas
• Brakpan, Springs, Nigel, and surrounding townships

Long recovery period expected

Dlamini emphasised that full system stabilisation may take time after each maintenance phase due to the need for pressure to rebuild across the network, particularly in higher-lying areas.

Residents are urged to plan ahead and use water sparingly during the affected period.