Rand Water Announces Maintenance Programme Affecting Water Supply

According to Rand Water, the planned work will focus on upgrading and maintaining key electrical and pumping systems that are essential to the utility’s operations.

Rand Water has announced a large-scale planned maintenance programme on its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems that is expected to cause temporary water supply interruptions across several municipalities and industries between:

29 May and 17 July 2026

The bulk water utility said the maintenance work is aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure, improving operational reliability and ensuring long-term water supply stability across its network.

Maintenance to Focus on Electrical and Pumping Infrastructure

According to Rand Water, the planned work will focus on upgrading and maintaining key electrical and pumping systems that are essential to the utility's operations.

"The planned maintenance activities are necessary to improve pump availability and standby capacity. They also enhance operational flexibility across key Rand Water systems, reduce the risk of plant trips and equipment failures," the utility said in a statement.

The maintenance programme forms part of broader efforts to improve system resilience and reduce the risk of unplanned disruptions in future.

Temporary Pump Shutdowns Expected During Maintenance

Rand Water warned that some pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which could affect water supply to:

• Municipalities

• Industries

• Mines

• Direct customers

Officials stated that the interruptions are unavoidable due to the scale and complexity of the infrastructure upgrades.

Maintenance Scheduled During Winter Low-Demand Period

Rand Water said the maintenance programme was coordinated with:

Eskom

and deliberately scheduled during winter because it is traditionally a:

Low water demand season

This timing is intended to reduce the overall impact on consumers and water systems.

Key Infrastructure Upgrades Planned

The utility outlined several major maintenance activities that will be undertaken during the programme.

Eskom-Related Electrical Maintenance

Electrical maintenance will be conducted at both the:

• Zuikerbosch system

• Palmiet system

to strengthen operational reliability and energy supply stability.

Motor Installations and Upgrades

Rand Water will install and upgrade motors at:

Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4

to improve pumping efficiency and system performance.

Valve and Bearing Replacements

Critical infrastructure components will also be replaced at several systems, including:

• Palmiet

• Vereeniging

• Foresthill

The work includes replacing:

• Critical valves

• Thrust bearings

to improve operational stability and reduce equipment failures.

Mapleton System Pipeline Work

The maintenance programme also includes:

M11 pipeline cross-connections

within the Mapleton system to strengthen network integration and flexibility.

Four Provinces Expected to Be Affected

Rand Water confirmed that the planned maintenance could affect water supply in parts of:

• Gauteng

• North West

• Free State

• Mpumalanga

The utility urged municipalities and customers to implement contingency plans during the maintenance period.

Major Municipalities Expected to Experience Disruptions

Several metropolitan and local municipalities are expected to be affected by the temporary interruptions.

Metropolitan Municipalities

Affected metros include:

• City of Johannesburg

• City of Tshwane

• City of Ekurhuleni

Local Municipalities

Additional municipalities expected to experience disruptions include:

• Mogale City

• West Rand

• Merafong

• Rustenburg

• Madibeng

• Lesedi

• Victor Khanye

• Govan Mbeki

• Thembisile Hani

• Midvaal

• Emfuleni

• Metsimaholo

• Ngwathe

• Royal Bafokeng Administration

Industries, Mines and Direct Customers Also Impacted

Rand Water said several industries, mines and direct customers could also be affected during the maintenance period.

Among the affected direct customers is:

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

Officials noted that contingency measures are being coordinated to minimise operational disruptions.

Rand Water Issues 21-Day Notice

In line with its operational protocols and transparency commitments, Rand Water said it has issued:

A 21-day notice

to all affected municipalities, industries and customers.

"The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers," Rand Water said.

Municipalities are expected to communicate local mitigation measures and water-saving plans to residents closer to the maintenance dates.

Residents Urged to Use Water Sparingly

Although not formally announcing restrictions, experts say residents in affected areas may need to prepare for:

• Reduced water pressure

• Intermittent supply interruptions

• Possible localised outages

Consumers are likely to be encouraged to:

• Store water responsibly

• Reduce unnecessary water use

• Avoid wastage during the maintenance period

Infrastructure Maintenance Seen as Critical for Long-Term Stability

The maintenance programme comes amid increasing pressure on South Africa's aging water infrastructure systems.

Water experts have repeatedly warned that deferred maintenance and infrastructure failures pose significant risks to long-term water security in major urban centres.

Rand Water stated that the planned upgrades are intended to:

• Improve pump reliability

• Increase standby capacity

• Reduce future equipment breakdowns

• Enhance operational flexibility

• Stabilise long-term supply

Utility to Provide Ongoing Updates

Rand Water confirmed that it will continue providing updates on the maintenance programme through:

• Official communication channels

• Media statements

• Social media platforms

The utility said further details regarding specific schedules and affected zones will be communicated as the maintenance programme progresses.

Growing Pressure on Gauteng Water Systems

The announcement also comes as Gauteng and surrounding regions continue to face growing challenges related to:

• Rising water demand

• Infrastructure strain

• Population growth

• Climate pressures

• Municipal water losses

Authorities have increasingly emphasized the need for infrastructure investment, conservation measures and improved operational efficiency to secure future water supply stability.