Image Source: EWN
Local – A 50-day water shutdown can be expected across Gauteng, the North West, the Free State and Mpumalanga, affecting millions of residents across several municipalities, after Rand Water announced major planned maintenance at its Palmiet and Zuikerbosch systems. The interruptions are scheduled to run between 29 May and 17 July 2026.
The work will target critical electrical and pumping infrastructure at both sites. However, Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said the maintenance will take place in phases and will not result in a complete water shutdown throughout the entire period.
Maroo said the first phase of maintenance is scheduled to begin on 29 May and is anticipated to be completed by 2 June, with a recovery period to follow before the next phase begins. She said residents should not expect to be without water for the full duration.
“We’re not saying throughout, there would not be water — the main dates for the maintenance are the 29th of May — that’s when we’re starting on a Friday. So, the maintenance is anticipated to be completed on the 2nd of June — so that will be the duration for the first maintenance activities,” Maroo said.
Maroo added that a further maintenance window is planned for 17 July, lasting approximately two days. She said recovery time had been factored in between the two phases.
“Then we move to the 17th of July, that would be about two days. In between these two dates, we need a recovery period — so it does not mean there will not be water completely for the two months or for the 19 days,” she said.
What the Maintenance Involves
The work will cover electrical upgrades, motor installations, pipeline connections and replacement of ageing mechanical components across several Rand Water sites. Airports Company South Africa is among the direct customers and industries that could face disruptions. Rand Water said the scheduling had been coordinated with Eskom and timed for winter, when water demand is typically lower.
Rand Water said the maintenance was necessary to address longstanding risks to its pumping infrastructure and improve overall system performance across its network.
“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,” the utility said in a statement.
According to reports, customers in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni are among those listed, alongside local municipalities including Mogale City, Rand West, Merafong, Rustenburg, Madibeng, Lesedi, Victor Khanye, Govan Mbeki, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Metsimaholo, Ngwathe and Royal Bafokeng Administration.
Areas including Sandton, Midrand, Soweto, Lenasia, Randburg, Roodepoort, Ennerdale and Orange Farm are also expected to be affected.
How to Preserve Water During the Maintenance Period
Residents in affected areas are advised to store water in clean containers ahead of each maintenance window. Running taps should be checked and fixed before disruptions begin, as small leaks waste significant volumes over time. Greywater from washing and cooking can be reused for garden irrigation or toilet flushing.
Washing machines and dishwashers should only be run on full loads, and filling pools or washing cars during disruption periods should be avoided. Those with boreholes or rainwater harvesting tanks should ensure these are in working order before the shutdowns begin.
