Water Supply Recovery Begins After Pump Repairs in Tshwane

The treatment plant experienced a mechanical failure at its raw water abstraction works on 3 June, preventing the facility from drawing and treating water.

Residents in parts of Tshwane can expect gradual improvements in water supply after the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant resumed operations following repairs to a critical pump that had disrupted production earlier this week.

The treatment plant experienced a mechanical failure at its raw water abstraction works on 3 June, preventing the facility from drawing and treating water. The breakdown affected supply to several communities in Region 7, leaving many residents dealing with water shortages and reduced pressure. City officials confirmed that repair teams worked through the problem and successfully restored the damaged pump on Thursday night. Extensive testing was carried out before the system was returned to service to ensure stable operations.

Reservoirs Begin Recovering as Production Increases

Following the repairs, the restored pump has been operating continuously without interruptions. Water production at the treatment plant has now reached approximately nine megalitres per day and is expected to increase steadily as storage levels improve. Municipal officials said the recovery process is already showing positive results. The Bronkhorstspruit and Zithobeni reservoirs have started replenishing after several days of reduced inflows. Water levels in these facilities are gradually improving as treated water is pumped back into the distribution network.

The situation remains more challenging in areas supplied by the Ekandustria reservoirs, where storage levels are still low. City engineers expect conditions to improve as production increases throughout the day and additional treated water reaches the affected reservoirs. Operational teams are closely monitoring the system and adjusting production levels carefully to avoid placing unnecessary strain on the network during the recovery period.

Residents Urged to Use Water Sparingly

Although the treatment plant is functioning again, the city has warned that some communities may continue to experience low water pressure or intermittent supply while the network stabilizes. Water systems often require time to recover after a prolonged interruption, particularly when reservoir levels have dropped significantly. Areas supplied by lower-capacity reservoirs are likely to feel the effects for longer as storage facilities refill.

The municipality has appealed to residents to use water responsibly during this period to help speed up the recovery process. Conserving water will allow reservoirs to recover more quickly and assist in restoring normal supply levels across the affected areas. Residents have also been advised to flush the first flow of water from their taps before using it for drinking, cooking or other household purposes.

City officials said updates will continue to be issued as reservoir levels improve and normal operations are restored. Residents experiencing water supply interruptions, burst pipes, leaking water meters or blocked sewer lines have been encouraged to contact municipal services through the city's reporting channels.