Roodepoort water supply disrupted ahead of major maintenance
The unexpected outage has left many residents facing uncertainty over their water supply as they prepare for a planned water outage.
Some residents in Roodepoort have already been left without water, while others are experiencing low water pressure after an overnight power outage at City Power’s Eikenhof Substation disrupted Rand Water’s pumping operations – just a day before the second phase of planned maintenance is due to begin.
Johannesburg Water (JW) confirmed that the power outage, which occurred at about 02:00 today, July 16, caused Rand Water’s Eikenhof Pump Station to become non-operational.
As a result, areas supplied by the Eikenhof system have started experiencing water supply interruptions, with residents in several Roodepoort suburbs reporting dry taps.
At the time JW issued its customer notice, City Power had not provided an estimated time for power to be restored.
• Also read: Planned water maintenance to affect part of Roodepoort’s water supply
The utility warned that reservoir and water tower levels will continue to decline if pumping is not restored, increasing the likelihood of low water pressure and water outages in affected areas.
The outage also threatens to complicate Rand Water’s second and final phase of planned maintenance, scheduled to begin on July 17. In a media statement, Rand Water said the unplanned outage had disrupted preparations for the maintenance and is expected to prolong the recovery period once the planned work has been completed.
The utility added that the extent of the impact will depend on how quickly pumping can be restored and the Eikenhof system recovers. System configuration controls may also be implemented to preserve available water in reservoirs where necessary.
Affected systems include Helderkruin, Florida North, Orlando, Diepkloof, Protea Glen, Meadowlands, Boschkop, Constantia, Linden, Robertville, Lenasia and surrounding areas.
JW said it is working closely with Rand Water and City Power to monitor the situation. The utility has activated its Central Alternative Water Group, with water tankers expected to be deployed to priority areas where operationally required.
Residents are urged to use water sparingly where supply is still available, store water safely where possible, and monitor JW’s official communication channels for updates on the restoration of supply and the deployment of water tankers.
