Gauteng residents, particularly in Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni, are being warned to prepare for 16 days of water outages. This disruption to the water supply is part of Rand Water’s critical maintenance project, which is set to impact a significant portion of the province. These water outages will occur between 30 June and 18 July 2025 and will affect many areas across the region.
Rand Water, which is responsible for supplying water to the province, will be conducting essential maintenance to increase the water supply’s capacity and improve its long-term reliability. During the maintenance, several areas will experience reduced water pressure or intermittent supply, while others will face complete water outages for the duration of the work.
What to Expect During 16 Days of Water Outages in Gauteng
The critical maintenance phase will begin on 30 June 2025 and continue through to 18 July 2025. This project is crucial to ensure the long-term stability of water supply systems in the province, especially in anticipation of the high-demand season expected in mid-August 2025.
The maintenance works will focus on the Eikenhof, Zwartkopjes, and Palmiet water systems, which supply water to municipalities across Gauteng. Due to reduced pumping activity or total shutdowns of these systems, the following disruptions are expected:
- Low water pressure or intermittent water supply across various areas.
- Complete water outages in certain areas where pumping is fully halted.
- The maintenance schedule will impact all the major metropolitan areas, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Ekurhuleni, as well as other municipalities.
Key Areas Affected by the Water Outages
Below is a detailed table outlining the affected systems, dates, duration, and specific areas impacted by the water outages.
| System | Dates | Duration | Affected Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eikenhof | 30 June (05:00) – 2 July | 48 hours | City of Johannesburg: Central and Southern regions |
| Rand West, Mogale City, Merafon: Reduced pumping | |||
| Zwartkopjes | 30 June (05:00) – 2 July | 50 hours | City of Ekurhuleni: Benoni, Germiston, Boksburg, Wattville |
| Palmiet | 3 July (07:00) – 18 July | 16 days | City of Tshwane: High-lying areas (significant impact) |
| City of Johannesburg: Northern and Western areas | |||
| Palmiet | 15 July (05:00) – 18 July | 75 hours | City of Tshwane: Continued disruption |
| Zwartkopjes | 30 June (05:00) – 2 July | 50 hours | City of Ekurhuleni: Boksburg, Germiston, Benoni |
| Eikenhof | 30 June (05:00) – 2 July | 48 hours | Other Areas: Rand West, Mogale City, Merafon, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng |
City of Ekurhuleni
Zwartkopjes System will experience a complete shutdown from 30 June to 2 July, lasting 50 hours. The following areas will be affected:
- Benoni and Wattville:
- Airfield, Northmead, Farrarmere, Goedeburg, North Villa, Rynfield, and Brentwood Park are among the suburbs facing water outages.
- Germiston and Boksburg:
- Affected areas include Spruitview, Leondale, Rondebult, Sunward Park, Van Dyk Park, Parkdene, Cinderella, Elspark, and the Boksburg CBD.
City of Johannesburg
- Eikenhof System: From 30 June to 2 July, water pressure will be reduced, particularly in the southern and central parts of Johannesburg.
- Zwartkopjes System: Like the Ekurhuleni schedule, there will be no pumping from 30 June to 2 July.
- Palmiet System: Reduced pumping will affect the northern and western regions of Johannesburg from 15 July to 18 July.
City of Tshwane
- Palmiet System: 3 July to 18 July, this system will experience significant disruptions, especially in high-lying areas. These disruptions are expected to last for 16 days in total, with a major reduction in pumping from 15 July to 18 July.
Other Affected Areas
- Rand West, Mogale City, Merafon, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng, and nearby mines will be impacted from 30 June to 2 July, with reduced pumping on the Eikenhof system.
How to Prepare for Water Disruptions
With 16 days of water outages approaching, it’s essential to take practical steps to minimise the inconvenience caused by the disruptions. Here are some recommendations:
- Stock Up on Water:
- Ensure you have enough water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Storing large containers of water will help prevent shortages during the outages.
- Stay Informed:
- Regularly check updates from your local municipality. Many municipalities, including Ekurhuleni, are providing detailed schedules for affected areas, and these will help you stay prepared.
- Limit Water Usage:
- If you experience low pressure, try to use water sparingly to avoid exhausting your supply quickly.
- Prepare for Low Water Pressure:
- If you’re in an area with reduced water pressure, store water in large containers such as buckets or bins to use when the supply is low or unavailable.
- Public Communications:
- Follow your municipality’s social media channels for real-time updates and detailed information on how the water outage may affect you specifically.
ALSO READ: Rand Water Maintenance Disrupts Water Supply in Parts of Ekurhuleni: What You Need to Know
The 16 days of water outages scheduled from 30 June to 18 July 2025 will significantly affect residents in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and surrounding municipalities. Although the maintenance by Rand Water is necessary to improve water supply infrastructure, it’s crucial for residents to prepare for potential disruptions in their daily routines.
By following the steps outlined above and staying informed about the specific schedules and affected areas, you can mitigate the impact of these water outages.
