Rand Water Maintenance to Cause Water Supply Interruptions Until July 2026

The utility explained that the maintenance programme is essential for improving the reliability and resilience of its infrastructure network.

Residents across Gauteng, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga have been advised to prepare for planned water supply interruptions as Rand Water undertakes extensive maintenance work on its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems between 29 May and 17 July 2026.

Rand Water announced that the planned maintenance programme will focus on critical electrical and pumping infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving long-term water supply reliability, operational flexibility, and system stability.

Major Infrastructure Maintenance Planned

According to Rand Water, several pumps will need to be temporarily shut down during the maintenance period, which may affect water supply to municipalities, industries, mines, and direct customers connected to the system.

The utility explained that the maintenance programme is essential for improving the reliability and resilience of its infrastructure network.

"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," Rand Water said in a statement.

Work Scheduled During Low-Demand Winter Period

Rand Water stated that the maintenance programme had been coordinated with Eskom and deliberately scheduled during winter, which is traditionally a period of lower water demand.

Officials said the timing was intended to minimise the impact on consumers while allowing essential upgrades and repairs to proceed safely and efficiently.

Key Maintenance Activities

The maintenance programme will involve several major infrastructure interventions across the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems.

Planned work includes:

• Eskom-related electrical maintenance at Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems

• Installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4

• Replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at Palmiet, Vereeniging and Foresthill systems

• M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system

Rand Water said these upgrades are necessary to improve operational stability and reduce future risks associated with equipment failures and supply disruptions.

Several Municipalities Expected to Be Affected

The planned maintenance is expected to impact a large number of municipalities and local authorities across four provinces.

Affected municipalities include:

Gauteng Metros

• City of Johannesburg

• City of Tshwane

• City of Ekurhuleni

Local Municipalities

• Mogale City

• West Rand

• Merafong

• Rustenburg

• Madibeng

• Lesedi

• Victor Khanye

• Govan Mbeki

• Thembisile Hani

• Midvaal

• Emfuleni

• Metsimaholo

• Ngwathe

• Royal Bafokeng Administration

Officials warned that water pressure reductions and temporary interruptions may occur in various areas depending on reservoir levels and local distribution systems.

Industries and Mines Also Impacted

Rand Water noted that several industries, mines, and direct customers connected to its bulk water supply network may also experience disruptions during the maintenance period.

Entities expected to be affected include:

• Airports Company South Africa (ACSA)

• Mining operations

• Industrial customers

• Commercial bulk users

The utility emphasized the importance of contingency planning for all major water users during the maintenance period.

21-Day Advance Notice Issued

In line with its operational transparency policy, Rand Water said it has already issued a 21-day advance notice to all affected municipalities, industries, and customers.

The utility explained that the notice period is intended to provide stakeholders with sufficient time to implement mitigation and contingency measures.

"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.

Residents Encouraged to Use Water Sparingly

Although detailed contingency plans will vary by municipality, residents are expected to be encouraged to:

• Store water where possible

• Use water sparingly

• Avoid unnecessary consumption

• Prepare for possible low-pressure periods

• Follow municipal water-saving advisories

Municipalities are also expected to activate local response plans to manage supply disruptions and maintain critical services.

Long-Term Goal Is Improved Water Reliability

Rand Water stressed that while temporary disruptions may occur, the maintenance programme is aimed at strengthening long-term water infrastructure reliability and reducing future breakdown risks.

The utility said the upgrades will improve:

• Pump availability

• System redundancy

• Standby capacity

• Operational flexibility

• Infrastructure resilience

The work also forms part of broader efforts to modernize and maintain aging bulk water infrastructure serving South Africa's economic heartland.

Water Infrastructure Pressure Increasing

South Africa's water infrastructure systems continue to face growing pressure due to:

• Aging infrastructure

• Population growth

• Urban expansion

• Climate variability

• Rising water demand

• Maintenance backlogs

Experts note that preventative maintenance and infrastructure upgrades are increasingly important to ensure long-term water security and reduce the likelihood of large-scale system failures.

Regular Updates to Be Provided

Rand Water stated that ongoing updates regarding the maintenance programme, progress, and potential impacts will be communicated through its official communication channels, including social media platforms.

Consumers have been advised to monitor announcements from both Rand Water and their local municipalities for area-specific updates and guidance during the maintenance period.

Importance of Bulk Water Systems

The Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems form part of Rand Water's critical bulk water supply infrastructure serving millions of residents, businesses, industries, and municipalities across multiple provinces.

Ensuring the operational reliability of these systems is considered essential for supporting:

• Household water supply

• Economic activity

• Industrial operations

• Healthcare facilities

• Municipal service delivery

The maintenance programme reflects the growing importance of proactive infrastructure management in maintaining South Africa's long-term water sustainability and service reliability.