Residents in Ward 89 are being urged to prepare for possible water supply disruptions ahead of Rand Water’s second and final phase of planned maintenance on Friday, July 17.

The 12-hour maintenance is scheduled to take place from 07:00 to 19:00 and forms part of Rand Water’s ongoing work on its bulk water supply system. According to Johannesburg Water (JW), several of its systems across the city will be affected, including the Randburg/ Roodepoort system as well. Depending on the area, residents may experience low water pressure or no water during the maintenance.

Ward 89 councillor Zander Shawe has warned that residents in his ward should prepare for interruptions, as the area is supplied by the Eikenhof system, which will operate at only 50% pumping capacity during the maintenance period.

Shawe said residents should not expect water supply to return to normal immediately after the work is completed.

“Water will be disrupted. Last time we experienced disruptions even when the system was pumping at 90% capacity,” he said.

JW has also cautioned that the recovery of affected systems takes several days after maintenance has been completed, with water supply returning gradually as reservoirs recover. Shawe shared that affected residents can expect water-related issues for about seven days afterwards before supply returns to normal levels.

Shawe urged residents to use water responsibly before, during and after the maintenance period.

“Please reduce water consumption during this time so that the systems can recover faster. Store some water in advance and be prepared for possible interruptions,” he said.

The maintenance follows the successful completion of the first phase, which took place between May 29 and June 2.

JW said the July maintenance is linked to Eskom maintenance work at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch, Palmiet, Zwartkopjes and Eikenhof systems. The utility will provide residents with updates throughout the maintenance period.