Johannesburg water systems to face scheduled maintenance, despite already being dangerously fragile
Residents across Gauteng are being urged to prepare for possible water supply disruptions as Rand Water and Eskom begin critical infrastructure maintenance expected to affect multiple municipalities, industries, and supply systems from May 29.
With just seven days remaining before Rand Water’s planned maintenance operation begins, residents across Gauteng are being urged to prepare for possible water supply interruptions as Eskom undertakes critical electrical maintenance at the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems.
The maintenance will take place between May 29 and June 2, with additional work scheduled for July 17. The operation will affect the Zuikerbosch, Eikenhof, Palmiet, and Zwartkopjes systems, which supply large parts of Johannesburg, including the Commando system serving Brixton, Crosby, and Hursthill.
Read more: Rand Water set for winter water supply interruptions due to critical Eskom maintenance
Ward 88 councillor Nicolene Jonker warned that Johannesburg’s water infrastructure is already under severe strain before the maintenance work begins. “Although planned maintenance is necessary, Johannesburg is no longer dealing with a normal maintenance environment. We are dealing with a weakened water system, where many reservoirs and towers are already unstable before the work even begins.”
She said residents in her ward, particularly areas linked to the Commando and Waterval systems, were increasingly anxious about the possibility of prolonged outages and delayed system recovery. “My biggest fear is not only the planned outage, but also the possibility of a prolonged outage. Residents know from experience that when reservoirs run low, maintenance completed does not mean water restored.”
Jonker added that communities such as Northcliff, Quellerina, and Hursthill had already experienced low pressure, flushing operations, and recurring supply instability linked to constrained systems.
She warned that emergency tanker support may not be sufficient if systems take days to recover, especially for vulnerable residents without JoJo tanks or adequate storage capacity. “Water outages are not an inconvenience; they are a health, hygiene, safety, and economic risk.”
Residents have been urged to store water in advance, reduce non-essential water usage and report faults through official municipal channels.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said, on May 22, that the maintenance is necessary to improve pump availability, increase standby water supply capacity, and reduce the risk of equipment failures and plant trips. The work will include Eskom-related maintenance, motor upgrades at the Zuikerbosch raw water engine room 4, replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings, and pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.
Several municipalities and metros are expected to be affected, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, alongside Mogale City, Rand West, Rustenburg, Midvaal, Emfuleni, and surrounding municipalities. Industries, mines, and Airports Company South Africa may also experience disruptions.
Maroo said residents should expect reduced or intermittent water supply in some areas, although Rand Water stressed the system would not face a complete shutdown. She added that Rand Water will provide regular updates throughout the maintenance period through its official communication channels, including social media platforms, to keep customers informed of the progress. Municipalities are also expected to keep residents informed and updated.
Once completed, Rand Water said the maintenance would improve the reliability and efficiency of Gauteng’s water infrastructure and strengthen long-term water security across the province.
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