Rand Water Restores Supply After First Maintenance Phase

The maintenance programme is part of Rand Water’s broader infrastructure improvement strategy covering the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems.

Rand Water has completed the first phase of its extensive maintenance programme, bringing key pumping stations such as Mapleton and Eikenhof back into full operation on 2 June 2026. The work was carried out between 29 May and 2 June and forms part of a wider effort to strengthen water infrastructure serving millions of people across South Africa.

The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed that all planned maintenance activities, along with additional opportunity projects carried out during the shutdown period, were completed according to schedule. Rand Water has resumed supplying water at full capacity, while municipal systems continue to recover and refill reservoirs after the temporary interruptions.

Infrastructure Upgrades Aimed at Long-Term Water Security

The maintenance programme is part of Rand Water's broader infrastructure improvement strategy covering the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems. The project includes upgrades to critical electrical equipment, pumping infrastructure and key pipeline components that play an important role in moving water across several provinces.

Work completed during this phase included Eskom-related electrical upgrades, the installation and refurbishment of motors at the Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room, replacement of valves and thrust bearings at several facilities, and pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system. These upgrades are intended to improve operational reliability and give the utility greater flexibility when responding to future supply demands.

The programme affects parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West. Municipalities supplied by Rand Water, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Rustenburg, Mogale City and several others, have been impacted by the maintenance schedule. Some industries, mines and direct customers such as Airports Company South Africa were also expected to experience temporary supply disruptions.

Tshwane Sees Steady Improvement Across Water Network

The City of Tshwane says its water distribution system continues to recover steadily following the completion of the first maintenance phase. Reservoirs, towers and supply networks have remained largely stable, allowing water services to continue in most areas affected by the shutdown.

Rand Water reported that the Palmiet System is currently operating at around 89% capacity while the network stabilises. Although the system has not yet returned to full output, improving reservoir levels suggest that water availability is gradually returning to normal across the city.

Municipal officials say recovery efforts are producing positive results and storage levels continue to improve across affected systems. Residents are expected to see further stabilisation as reservoirs refill and pressure levels recover.

The second phase of the maintenance programme is scheduled to begin on 17 July 2026. Rand Water says the ongoing upgrades are designed to modernise ageing infrastructure and strengthen long-term water supply security for communities, businesses and industries that depend on its network.