Key Takeaways
- Johannesburg Water has announced planned maintenance on the Palmiet system, which will affect multiple areas in the city from 13 to 15 December 2025.
- Residents in several areas, including Sandton and Midrand, can expect significant water supply disruptions during this period.
- Additional maintenance work will be conducted in various regions, including Regions A, B, and D, affecting areas such as Linden, Cresta, and Soweto.
- The maintenance work is expected to improve service delivery, continuity of water supply, and reduce water losses.
- Residents are advised to plan accordingly for potential disruptions, which may extend into the following week.
Introduction to Water Disruptions
Johannesburg Water has warned residents in several areas to prepare for water supply disruptions as Rand Water conducts planned maintenance on the Palmiet system from 13 to 15 December 2025. The utility announced that the maintenance work will affect multiple systems across the city, including the Sandton and Midrand systems. The maintenance is scheduled to run continuously from 4am on 13 December until 4am on 15 December. During this period, residents in the affected areas should expect significant supply interruptions, with no pumping taking place during the duration of the maintenance.
Systems Affected by Maintenance
The maintenance work will impact several key systems, including the Alexandra Park reservoir, South Hills tower, Linksfield, and Randjieslaagte reservoir. The utility has cautioned that residents should not expect immediate restoration of the normal supply once the maintenance concludes, as the full recovery of the systems takes several days after the completion of maintenance. This extended recovery period means that some areas may continue experiencing water supply challenges beyond 15 December as the systems are gradually brought back to full operational capacity. Johannesburg Water did not specify exactly how long the recovery process will take, but residents are urged to plan accordingly for potential disruptions extending into the following week.
Multiple Joburg Areas to Experience Water Outages
Beyond the Rand Water maintenance, Joburg Water conducts its own essential maintenance work on critical infrastructure. The utility has warned residents across several regions to prepare for water supply disruptions this week. The utility announced three separate planned interruptions affecting areas in Regions A, B, and D. The most extensive interruption will affect residents in the northern suburbs, where Joburg Water plans to conduct an assessment of the Linden 1 reservoir bypass line. The work will impact the Blairgowrie Reservoir supply system, affecting all streets in several areas, including Cresta, Jackenlee, and Robin Hills.
Soweto Areas Face Two-Day Shutdown for Pipe Repairs
Furthermore, several Soweto communities will experience a 48-hour water supply outage from 9 December. This forms part of Joburg Water’s emergency repairs to damaged infrastructure. The work will affect all streets in several areas, including Chiawelo, Central Western Jabavu, and Dlamini. The outages in these areas will start from 2pm on 9 December until 2pm on 11 December. The extended shutdown is required for repairing damaged 600mm steel pipe, according to Joburg Water. Residents in the affected areas should expect no water during this period. The utility noted that the repairs would ultimately lead to improved service delivery and continuity of water supply for affected communities.
Weekend Outages
Multiple areas in Region G will experience a four-hour interruption on Saturday, 13 December. As part of the water utility’s critical maintenance network programme, all streets in the following areas will be affected: Orange Farm, Drieziek, Lakeside, Ennerdale, and Lawley. This interruption forms part of Rand Water’s 48-hour maintenance programme. However, Daleside pump station, which supplies the Orange Farm and Ennerdale/Lawley systems, will only be affected for a period of four hours. The utility added that this outage will run from 8am to 12pm, with pumping to continue at full capacity after 12pm. During this period, affected residents will have low pressure or no water due to no pumping, according to the utility.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, Johannesburg Water has announced several planned maintenance works that will affect various areas in the city. Residents are advised to plan accordingly for potential disruptions, which may extend into the following week. The utility has assured that the maintenance work will improve service delivery, continuity of water supply, and reduce water losses. However, residents are urged to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact of the disruptions. It is essential for residents to stay informed about the planned maintenance works and to follow the utility’s updates to ensure they are prepared for any disruptions. By doing so, residents can minimize the inconvenience caused by the maintenance works and ensure that they have access to a reliable water supply.
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