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Joburg Water Outages Disrupt Tuesday Routine: Here’s Where to Find Tankers

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4 months ago

June 3, 2025

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If your taps in Johannesburg suddenly ran dry this Tuesday morning, you’re not alone. Residents across the city woke up to a dry spell, quite literally, as Rand Water kicked off the second phase of its infrastructure maintenance. For the next ten hours — from 6am to 4pm — many homes and businesses will have to manage with reduced water supply or none at all.

This isn’t a surprise shutdown. It’s part of Rand Water’s planned effort to clean and assess parts of its water system. While officials have promised it’s less intense than phase one, some areas are still feeling the pinch — especially those relying directly on pumping rather than reservoirs.

Why It’s Happening

According to Johannesburg Water, the work focuses on Rand Water’s Palmiet System, which feeds several reservoirs and systems throughout the city. To complete the maintenance safely, the bulk water supplier had to drop its pumping output to 67% capacity. Logan Munsamy, a senior manager at Johannesburg Water, explained that this was essential for cleaning and checking the Klipriviersberg No. 1 Reservoir.

“We aren’t shutting down pumping completely,” Munsamy assured. “There’s still some water flowing, but those in higher areas or directly reliant on pumping might feel the effects most — either low pressure or no water at all.”

While phase one went smoothly, the recovery of water pressure isn’t instant. Even after pumping resumes, some areas will take a few days to return to normal.

What You Can Do: Water Tankers Are Out

To cushion the impact, the City of Joburg has deployed a fleet of 97 water tankers across affected communities. If your taps have stopped running, you can head to one of these alternative supply points in your area. Here’s a breakdown:

Midrand Area: Where to Find Water

Ward 77:

Next to Ebomini School and Empumelelo Clinic
Mikateka School, Ext 9

Ward 78:

June 16 & Freedom Drive (Ext 5)
Freedom Drive & Osizweni Street (Ext 6 & 7)
Bob Marley & Hochimini Street (Ext 8)

Ward 79:

Hlakanipha Street by Ivory Primary
Emthonjeni Taxi Rank
21 September Street & 16 June Street

Ward 80 – 133:

Multiple points across Rabie Ridge, Glen Austin, Kaalfontein, Mayibuye, Ebony Park, and Waterfall
Look for tankers near schools, community parks, Engen garages, shopping centers, and taxi ranks

Sandton & Alexandra: Stay Hydrated with These Supply Points

Ward 103 (Morningside, Bryanston East):

Grayston Primary (Ballina and Gillard Street)
Sandton Fire Station
Benmore Shopping Centre
Morningside Hospital

Ward 105 (Far East Bank):

Ext 9 Mike Dirandingwe Street
Multiple points in Bothlabela, Mauritius, and Marasteng
Clinics and community centers

East Bank & Inner Alex:

East Bank Avenue
Lion Crescent
16th to 20th Avenue

Ward 107 (Alexandra):

A mix of fixed points (like primary schools and churches) and roaming tankers
Realogile High School
Sankopano and Roosevelt
St Michaels Church and Helen Joseph Hostel

What to Expect Next

Though these 10-hour outages are tough, Rand Water insists it’s all part of a bigger plan to keep Johannesburg’s water system reliable. Still, for many working parents, students, and small businesses, even a few hours without water can be disruptive.

Johannesburg Water has urged residents to report any major leaks and use water sparingly as supply is restored. Full recovery in pressure and availability might take a few days, depending on your zone and elevation.

Don’t Be Left Dry

Keep buckets, containers, and bottles ready. Check your ward location and visit the closest water tanker station if you’re affected. And remember, if you see leaks or notice unusual water activity, report it to the City of Johannesburg to help keep the system running efficiently.