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Water Tower in Midrand.
Rand Water has warned Gauteng residents to prepare for water supply disruptions linked to planned maintenance work scheduled between May and July.
Rand Water and Eskom will undertake maintenance at the Palmiet and Zuikerbosch water systems from 19 May 2026 until 17 July 2026.
The maintenance is expected to affect a large number of municipal reservoirs and water towers across the province.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo says the maintenance will take place in phases and will not result in a complete water shutdown throughout the entire period.
“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.”
“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.”
Rand Water says the maintenance is necessary to ensure long-term reliability of the province’s bulk water infrastructure.
Municipalities across Gauteng are expected to implement contingency measures to manage supply during the maintenance periods.
Johannesburg Water Updates has also advised residents to use water sparingly during the maintenance operations.
Gauteng faces a 19-day water shutdown
Phase one of Rand Water’s maintenance will take place from 29 May to 2 June 2026, affecting the Sandton system.
📍Check if your area will be impacted and prepare accordingly: https://t.co/diu7IVJx1q#JoburgUpdates#JoburgServices pic.twitter.com/bfPUmFv0nT
— Johannesburg Water (@JHBWater) May 18, 2026
