Johannesburg will shut off its water supply for more than two days from Monday, June 24, the city announced on Tuesday.

“Rand Water, which is our main bulk water supplier, is planning a major shutdown that will affect all our reservoirs and towers in terms of water supply for 54 hours from June 24.

“The shutdown is on the B11 pipeline to install a 2,500mm butterfly valve from Lethabo to Vereeniging pumping station. This will result in limited water supply to all Rand Water customers,” it said.

Officials said this does not mean that there would be no water during that period.

“However, due to the extremely long hours, some of the areas may experience a shortage of water or low pressure,” said the city.

“Johannesburg Water appeals to all residents of Johannesburg to use water sparingly during the shutdown in order to avoid a complete no-water situation and reminds all that level-1 water restrictions are still in place.

“The shutdown will also affect a number of municipalities across Gauteng. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

The city will implement contingency plans to minimise the impact of maintenance on some of the city’s main water lines and have said all reservoirs would be filled to capacity before the shutdown.

CoJ environment and infrastructure MMC Nico de Jager said on Thursday that Rand Water’s purification plant will remain operational to replenish reservoirs.

“Johannesburg Water has noted concern raised regarding the upcoming planned maintenance by Rand Water, our bulk water supplier, which will be conducted on some of their main lines.

“Concern has been raised by the residents as to the impact of the planned maintenance on water supply within the city, given that supply to some of the city’s reservoirs and towers made become limited over the 54-hour maintenance period.”