Bulk water supplier, Rand Water has warned that taps across Gauteng could run dry as power utility Eskom undertakes planned critical maintenance at the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch sites from May 29 to July 17 2026.
According to the bulk water supplier, the maintenance of critical electrical infrastructure is essential to ensure system reliability.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said 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.”
She said the work is scheduled to take place between May and July 2026.
“During this period, Rand Water will need to switch off some of its pumps and this will result in water supply interruptions.”
She said Eskom and Rand Water had coordinated the planning of the work and strategically scheduled it for the winter season, which is traditionally a low water-demand period.
Maroo said Rand Water would also use the opportunity to carry out its own planned maintenance work.
The key maintenance activities scheduled from May 29 to July 17 2026 include:
-Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch and Palmiet systems.
-Installation and upgrading of motors at Zuikerbosch Raw Water Engine Room 4.
-Replacement of critical valves and thrust bearings at the Palmiet, Vereeniging and Forest Hill systems; and M11 pipeline cross-connections within the Mapleton system.
Maroo said customers in the cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as the local municipalities of Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and Royal Bafokeng Administration, may be affected.
“Various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected,” she warned.
However, she said Rand Water had issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers in line with its commitment to operational transparency and excellence.
“The notification is intended to provide all customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions to consumers.”
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg’s water supply entity, Joburg Water, has issued an alert to residents across the city about the upcoming major maintenance by Rand Water.
The maintenance is expected to affect residents across the city, many of whom are already experiencing severe water shortages.
The infrastructure work will also affect some of Joburg Water’s systems.
Joburg Water said it met with Rand Water on Monday, May 11 2026, when the bulk supplier provided detailed information and operational plans relating to the maintenance programme and its anticipated impact on affected systems.
“The objective of the maintenance is to improve plant availability, reliability and efficiencies towards a more flexible system at the bulk supplier’s Vereeniging, Zuikerbosch and Zwartkopjes systems,” it said in a statement.
According to Rand Water, this is the ideal time of year to carry out the planned maintenance work because the period between May and July generally experiences lower temperatures and reduced water demand.
Rand Water said Eskom’s maintenance work at Zuikerbosch and Palmiet would affect its Palmiet, Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes systems.
The maintenance is scheduled for May 29 2026 from 7am to 7pm.
Areas expected to be affected include Sandton, Midrand, Randjeslaagte, Linksfield, South Hills, Crown Gardens, Eagles Nest, Alan Manor, Aeroton, the Commando system areas of Brixton, Crosby and Hursthill, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto, Lenasia, Ennerdale and Orange Farm.
The water entity said the Zuikerbosch raw water motors replacement, which will begin concurrently with Eskom’s work, would affect its Palmiet water systems.
The maintenance will start on May 29 2026 and continue for 96 hours.
Areas expected to be affected include Sandton, Midrand and South Hills Tower.
Joburg Water said the Vereeniging valve replacement, also beginning concurrently with Eskom’s work, would affect its Zwartkopjes system.
The work will take place on May 29 2026 over 23 hours and affect areas including Crown Gardens, Eagles Nest, Aeroton, Forest Hill, Alan Manor and Naturena.
The Forest Hill valve replacement, also starting concurrently with the Vereeniging work, will affect Johannesburg Water’s Zwartkopjes systems over 40 hours from May 29 2026.
Affected areas include Crown Gardens, Eagles Nest, Alan Manor, Naturena, Aeroton and the Hector Norris pump station.
The water entity said cleaning at Klipfontein Reservoir No. 1 would affect its Palmiet water systems from May 29 for three weeks.
However, it said water supply would not be affected by the maintenance.
The addition, Eskom will undertake maintenance work at Zuikerbosch on July 17 2026, affecting the Palmiet, Zwartkopjes and Eikenhof water supply systems.
The maintenance will last 12 hours and affect areas including Sandton, Linksfield, Randjeslaagte, Midrand, South Hills, Crown Gardens, Alan Manor, Aeroton, Eagles Nest, the Commando system areas of Brixton, Crosby and Hursthill, Randburg, Roodepoort, Soweto and Lenasia.
Joburg Water said residents might experience low water pressure or no water during the maintenance period.
“Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply at strategic points within the affected areas. However, residents are encouraged to store water well in advance in preparation for the maintenance and avoid preparing on the eve of the planned maintenance as this drains the system,” it said.
IOL News
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
