Rand Water is scheduled to undertake critical maintenance on its key infrastructure starting on May 29, as part of its commitment to ensuring a sustainable and efficient water supply. The objective of this planned maintenance is to increase capacity and improve plant availability, reliability, and operational efficiency, thereby supporting a more resilient and adaptable water supply network in preparation for the anticipated increase in supply volumes from August.

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Maintenance activities will commence at different times and locations across various municipalities, however, it is important to note that the main maintenance operation is scheduled to begin on May 29 at 03:00, and is expected to be completed on June 2 at 17:00. During this period, pumping capacity will be reduced at the Eikenhof, Palmiet, Mapleton, and Zwartkopjes systems. As a result, areas within the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane may experience low water pressure or intermittent supply. The maintenance may also impact water provision to the local municipalities of Rand West, Mogale City, Merafong, Madibeng, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng Administration, Victor Khanye, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, and Emfuleni.

The maintenance work has been strategically scheduled during the low consumption months of May to July to minimise disruptions and better manage the potential impact on water supply. The scope of work, and its associated impact, are outlined below:

In the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, on June 3 from 06:00 to 16:00, the Klipriviersberg area’s Palmiet system will be isolated for cleaning and inspection, reducing pumping to 67% for 10 hours. The Eikenhof system will undergo repairs at the Zuikerbosch plant from June 30 at 05:00 to July 2 at 05:00, with no pumping for the first six hours, then increasing to 50% capacity for 42 hours, and finally up to 80% for the remaining 19 days. Additionally, the Eikenhof sedimentation tank, in Vereeniging, will be cleaned from June 30 to July 21, affecting supply for up to 21 days. The Zwartkopjes system will also undergo valve replacements from June 30 at 05:00 to July 2 at 07:00, with no pumping during this period.

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These works will impact water meters supplied by these systems within Johannesburg, Mogale, Merafong, Royal Bafokeng, and Rand West Local Municipalities. In Ekurhuleni, on May 29 from 03:00 to 17:00, a tie-in of the B16 pipeline from Zuikerbosch will occur, affecting the Mapleton system with no pumping during the entire duration. On June 3, the Klipriviersberg area will be isolated for cleaning and inspection from 06:00 to 16:00, reducing pumping to 67% for 10 hours. Similarly, in Tshwane, the same B16 pipeline tie-in work will be carried out from June 3 at 03:00 to 17:00, with the same impact on the Mapleton system, and the Klipriviersberg area will experience a 10-hour shutdown for cleaning and inspection.

Rand Water’s maintenance schedule is carefully planned to coincide with low-demand periods, aiming to minimise disruptions. Residents and businesses are advised to prepare by storing sufficient water in advance and to stay informed through official updates during this maintenance period. These activities are vital for maintaining and improving the infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply in the future.

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