Water disruptions expected across dozens of suburbs from 15 to 18 July

Thousands of Johannesburg residents are being urged to prepare for water disruptions this week as Rand Water embarks on a major maintenance operation set to begin Tuesday, 15 July 2025. The repairs, focused on the Palmiet System, are expected to run until Thursday, 18 July, and will affect water supply across wide parts of the city.

Rand Water confirmed that the pipeline maintenance would reduce pumping capacity significantly, especially impacting the Alexander Park Reservoir and South Hills Tower, which service a large portion of Johannesburg.

Areas to Face Low Pressure and Possible Water Outages

Alexander Park Reservoir-Linked Suburbs:
Residents in these areas can expect reduced water pressure and possible outages:

• South Kensington

• Kensington Extensions 4, 7, 10, 12, 13

• Malvern 1

• Bezuidenhout Valley

• Bruma

• Elcedes

• Cleveden

• De Wetshof

• George Goch

• Oospoort

• The Gabels

• Wychwood

Additional areas also affected:

• Benrose Extensions 8 and 12

• Cleverland

• Denver

• Heriotdale Extension 12

• Jeppestown

South Hills Tower Areas Also Hit

Communities served by the South Hills Tower are also in for a rough few days, with decreased pumping capacity expected throughout the three-day period.

Suburbs affected include:

• Risana

• South Hills

• Tulisa Park

• Linmeyer

• Steeledale

• The Hills

• Oakdene

• Rosettenville

• Klipriviersberg Estate South Hills

Water Pressure Will Be Affected Across the Board

Rand Water has warned that the entire Palmiet System will be impacted during the operation, meaning that even areas not on the direct list may experience a dip in water pressure.

The utility is urging residents in all affected areas to:

• Store water in advance

• Limit water usage during the period

• Avoid unnecessary washing and outdoor water use

Public Frustration and Questions Over Timing

While maintenance is essential, some residents are questioning the timing and communication. “We barely have stable water supply already,” said a frustrated Kensington resident on social media. “Now we’re expected to survive three days with little warning?”

Others have called for Joburg Water and Rand Water to provide water tankers in critical areas, especially for the elderly, hospitals, and schools.

Plan Ahead: What You Can Do

• Fill containers and buckets with clean water today

• Keep taps closed during outages to avoid messes when pressure returns

• Monitor social media for Joburg Water updates

• Report emergencies to 0800 00 25 87 (Joburg Water call centre)

This isn’t the first time Rand Water has implemented major system maintenance, but with Johannesburg’s aging water infrastructure and growing demand, disruptions like this are becoming more frequent  and residents are increasingly frustrated.

Be prepared. Stay informed. And plan wisely over the next three days.

{Source: The Citizen}

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