Eskom and Rand Water completed Phase 1 of the planned infrastructure maintenance programme, which commenced on Friday, 29 May 2026 and concluded on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. During this phase, Eskom carried out planned maintenance on critical electrical infrastructure. The work was essential to enhance the reliability and stability of the bulk water supply system and ensure its continued efficient operation.

Rand Water extends its sincere appreciation to municipal customers, residents, industries, businesses and all stakeholders for their patience, understanding and cooperation throughout the Phase 1 maintenance period.

Eskom and Rand Water will now proceed with Phase 2 of the planned infrastructure maintenance programme, which is scheduled to commence at 07h00 on Friday, 17 July 2026 and conclude at 19h00 on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

The key maintenance activities scheduled during this period include:

• Eskom-related electrical maintenance at the Zuikerbosch Purification Plant and
• Completion of cross-connections from the old to the new pipelines.

During this phase of maintenance, pumping capacity at Rand Water’s systems will be affected as follows:

• Palmiet System: Pumping capacity will be reduced to 78% (1 600 ML/day);
• Zwartkopjes System: Pumping capacity will be reduced to 50% (300 ML/day);
• Eikenhof System: Pumping capacity will be reduced to 55% (600 ML/day) and
• Mapleton System: No pumping will take place for 12 hours of the maintenance period.

The reduction in pumping capacity may result in low water pressure or intermittent water supply in some municipal systems, depending on reservoir levels and water consumption patterns. Municipal customers are encouraged to implement appropriate water management interventions and communicate proactively with their consumers.

As a result of the planned maintenance, customers in the Cities of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, as well as the local municipalities of Midvaal, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Lesedi, Thembisile Hani, Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng and the Royal Bafokeng Administration, may experience water supply disruptions. Various industries, mines and direct customers, including Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), may also be affected.

In line with its commitment to operational transparency and proactive stakeholder engagement, Rand Water has issued a 21-day notice to all affected municipalities, industries and direct customers. The notice is intended to provide customers with sufficient time to implement contingency measures and minimise potential water supply disruptions.

Rand Water also wishes to inform stakeholders that the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has requested an opportunity to undertake its own electrical maintenance activities at Mapleton Booster Pumping Station during the Phase 2 maintenance period.

Accordingly, the City will align its maintenance activities with the planned maintenance work. The CoE’s maintenance work is scheduled for Friday, 17 July 2026, from 08h00 to 18h00. The alignment of the maintenance programmes will minimise operational disruptions, reduce the overall impact on affected customers and improve coordination between Rand Water and the City of Ekurhuleni, ensuring that the required maintenance activities are completed as efficiently as possible.

Rand Water will continue to provide regular progress updates before and during the maintenance period through its official communication channels, including its website and social media platforms.

Rand Water once again thanks all customers and stakeholders for their continued understanding, cooperation and support as it undertakes these critical infrastructure maintenance activities. These investments are essential to strengthening the long-term reliability, resilience and sustainability of the bulk water supply system for the benefit of all customers.

For media enquiries, please contact the following officials:

• Makenosi Maroo (Spokesperson) at 072 545 5041 mmaroo@randwater.co.za
• Justice Mohale (Media Relations Manager) at 083 417 6999 jmohale@randwater.co.za