Residents and businesses across Gauteng and surrounding areas should prepare for possible water supply disruptions following planned maintenance work scheduled for 29 May and 17 July 2026.
Eskom will carry out critical electrical maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch sites, work that will require Rand Water to temporarily switch off some of its pumps. The two entities say they coordinated the scheduling deliberately, choosing the winter season when water demand is traditionally lower.
The maintenance programme includes electrical upgrades at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems, installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4, replacement of valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill, and pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.
Rand Water says the work will improve pump availability, increase standby capacity and reduce the risk of equipment failures going forward.
Among the areas likely to be affected are the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as local municipalities including Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Emfuleni and several others.
Industries, mines and direct customers โ including the Airports Company South Africa โ may also experience disruptions.
Rand Water says it has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities and customers to give them time to put contingency measures in place. Updates will be shared through the utility’s official social media channels throughout the maintenance period.
Residents are advised to store water ahead of the scheduled dates.
