Johannesburg faces water disruptions as Rand Water plans maintenance

Johannesburg residents should prepare for temporary water supply disruptions as Rand Water undertakes critical maintenance on its infrastructure in April. The operations, affecting key pumping stations, will impact several suburbs across the city.

First maintenance operation to affect multiple areas

The first scheduled maintenance will take place on Thursday, 3 April, at the Zuikerbosch Treatment Plant, impacting the Palmiet Pumping Station for approximately eight and a half hours. Johannesburg Water has confirmed that the Palmiet Station will be running at 89% capacity during this period, potentially affecting water pressure in various areas.

The Palmiet System supplies water to Johannesburg Water’s:

• Midrand System (all reservoirs and towers)
• Sandton Systems (all reservoirs and towers)
• South Hills Tower
• Alexander Park Reservoir (all reservoirs and towers)

For a full list of affected suburbs and reservoirs, click here.

Second phase of maintenance set for 9 April

A second maintenance operation is scheduled for Wednesday, 9 April, when Eskom will conduct its routine three-yearly maintenance at the Daleside Substation. This substation supplies power to Rand Water’s Daleside Pumping Station, which provides water to Johannesburg Water’s Deep South systems, including Ennerdale, Orange Farm, and Lawley Reservoirs.

“During this maintenance, there will be no pumping at Daleside for eight hours. During both maintenance, customers will experience poor pressure to no water,” Johannesburg Water stated.

Residents urged to prepare for water supply interruptions

With disruptions expected, Johannesburg Water has advised residents to store water ahead of time and consider alternative water-saving methods such as rainwater harvesting for non-consumption use. Authorities have also urged residents to use water sparingly during this period to minimize the impact of the maintenance operations.

These planned interventions are part of ongoing efforts to maintain and improve Johannesburg’s water infrastructure, ensuring long-term stability in the city’s water supply.