Planned Maintenance on Rand Water’s O2 Pipeline Could Leave Johannesburg Areas Dry for Up to Four Days
Johannesburg, brace yourselves, dry taps may be the reality for thousands of residents this week. Rand Water has officially announced planned maintenance on its O2 pipeline running from Monday, 15 July to Thursday, 18 July 2025, which could lead to low pressure or no water supply in several parts of the City of Johannesburg.
What’s Happening?
Rand Water, the bulk water supplier for Johannesburg, will be conducting essential maintenance on its O2 pipeline and Palmette system. This is a necessary operation aimed at improving long-term infrastructure reliability, but it comes with a temporary inconvenience: many Joburgers will experience water supply disruptions for up to four days.
Areas Affected
According to Johannesburg Water’s spokesperson, Nombusi Shabalala, the following areas will be most affected:
- Sandton
- Midrand
- Alexandra Park
- Linksfield
- Randjieslaagte
These areas are directly supplied by the Sandton and Midrand systems as well as the Alexander Park, Linksfield, and Randjieslaagte reservoirs, all of which will be impacted by the O2 pipeline maintenance.
What to Expect
During the maintenance window (15–18 July), residents should prepare for:
- Low water pressure
- Intermittent water supply
- Possibly no water at all
Shabalala urged residents to use water sparingly and to store water in advance to navigate the disruptions with as little discomfort as possible.
“Johannesburg residents are reminded that Rand Water will be conducting maintenance at its Palmette system from the 15th to the 18th of July 2025. During this period, residents may experience low water pressure to no water.”
💡 Tips to Prepare for the Water Outage
- Fill up water containers, bathtubs, and buckets ahead of time.
- Minimise non-essential water usage (e.g. laundry, garden watering).
- Keep bottled water on hand for drinking and cooking.
- Plan bathing and hygiene needs.
- Turn off geysers to avoid damage during low-pressure periods.
RELATED: How to Manage Water Outages at Home
Why Is This Maintenance Necessary?
Rand Water’s infrastructure is vast and ageing, with key pipelines and systems requiring regular inspection, repair, and upgrades. This planned intervention is part of a broader effort to ensure a stable and reliable water supply for the future.
Timeline at a Glance
- Start Date: Monday, 15 July 2025
- End Date: Thursday, 18 July 2025
- Duration: Up to 4 days
- Responsible Authority: Rand Water
- Affected Provider: Johannesburg Water
Stay Informed
Residents can check live updates, scheduled maintenance maps, and service status on:
🔗📱 Follow @JHBWater and @Rand_Water for alerts.
A Test of Patience, and Preparation
Water is life, and for four days, it may feel like gold in many Joburg households. While the inconvenience is real, Rand Water’s maintenance efforts are vital to keeping the city’s water flowing long into the future. The best approach? Stay prepared, stay informed, and let’s all do our part to conserve every drop.
Also read: Rand Water Maintenance Worsens Joburg Water Crisis: Key Areas Affected
