Taps Running Dry: Tshwane Pleads with Residents to Save Water During Major Shutdown

If you live in Tshwane, you’re probably already feeling it. That frustrating moment when you turn on the tap and nothing comes out. Or maybe just a weak trickle. This weekend, parts of the capital are facing exactly that — little to no water. And the city says things could get worse if residents don’t take urgent steps to cut back.

Not Just a Dry Weekend — A Wake-Up Call

The situation stems from a massive 107-hour planned maintenance operation by Rand Water. While the goal is long-term improvement of the water infrastructure, it’s causing immediate pain for residents across several regions.

City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba delivered the message plainly: the reservoirs are dropping fast, and consumption remains dangerously high.

He emphasized that residents in Region 6, and areas within Regions 2 and 3, are at the highest risk. If water usage stays at current levels, more taps may run dry before maintenance is even completed.

Why Is This Happening?

Rand Water has paused all pumping from its Mapleton system to carry out essential upgrades. This work is expected to last until Monday. It’s part of a broader effort to boost the system’s long-term reliability, but for now, it means serious disruption.

And it’s not just a Tshwane problem. Other municipalities including Ekurhuleni, Midvaal, Emfuleni, Govan Mbeki, Victor Khanye and Thembisile Hani are feeling the impact too.

More Disruptions Coming

Unfortunately, this is only round one. Bokaba also warned about another disruption coming Tuesday. The Klipriviersberg master reservoir will be isolated from the Palmiet system for 10 hours to allow inspections and cleaning. During that time, pumping will be reduced to just 67%.

Tips to Conserve Every Drop

To avoid worsening the situation, Tshwane is urging all residents to be water-wise. Here’s how you can help:

• Don’t water your garden with hosepipes or sprinklers between 6 am and 6 pm.

• Skip filling the swimming pool for now.

• Install or use a dual-flush toilet to reduce unnecessary flushing.

• Use a broom instead of a hosepipe to clean patios and driveways.

These small changes could make a big difference, especially if everyone does their part.

A Glimmer of Progress

There is some good news. Rand Water’s Makenosi Maroo confirmed that maintenance at the Amanzimtoti pump station has been completed. It’s a step forward, but the rest of the operation is still underway, and updates will be provided as progress continues.

We’re All In This Together

No one likes being told to use less of something as essential as water, but right now, Tshwane is facing a serious challenge. These outages are not just an inconvenience — they’re a warning about how strained our infrastructure really is.

By pulling together and cutting back, we can help keep the system stable until the upgrades are done. Every drop counts.

{Source: The Citizen}

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