Rand Water has announced a critical round of planned maintenance that will affect large parts of Gauteng and several surrounding municipalities from 29 May to 21 July 2025. The operation is aimed at improving the reliability, efficiency, and capacity of the bulk water supply system, ahead of increased demand expected from August 2025.
The primary maintenance activity kicks off at 03h00 on Thursday, 29 May and is scheduled to end at 17h00 on Monday, 2 June. It involves the tie-in of the newly constructed B16 pipeline connecting Zuikerbosch Station 5A to Engine Room 3 at the Mapleton Booster Pumping Station. This will result in no pumping at the Mapleton Pumping Station for the full 107-hour period.
Cities and municipalities expected to be affected by reduced water pressure or intermittent supply include:
- Johannesburg
- Ekurhuleni
- Tshwane
- Rand West
- Mogale City
- Merafong
- Lesedi
- Midvaal
- Emfuleni
- Madibeng
- Govan Mbeki
- Rustenburg
- Royal Bafokeng Administration
- Victor Khanye
- Thembisile Hani
Other critical tasks scheduled between May and July include cleaning and inspection of the Klipriviersberg system, valve replacements at Zwartkopjes Station, sedimentation tank cleaning at Vereeniging Plant, and repairs at Zuikerbosch Plant.
In Johannesburg, for example, a 21-day cleaning operation at Vereeniging’s sedimentation tank starting 30 June will affect water supply until 21 July. The Eikenhof System will operate at reduced capacity during this time, with pumping starting at 0%, increasing to 50% for 42 hours, and then 80% for the remaining period.
Rand Water emphasised that the work has been strategically scheduled during the winter low-consumption months to minimise disruptions. Municipalities have been given 21-day advance notices to allow for proper contingency planning.
“Consumers in affected areas are encouraged to use water sparingly and report any issues to their local authorities,” said Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo.
