Residents of Johannesburg are preparing for potential water shortages over the festive season as Rand Water shuts down two key treatment stations for maintenance. The work, spanning from 13 December 2025 to 8 January 2026, will affect supplies in several areas including Soweto and Randburg. Authorities have outlined contingency measures, including deploying water tankers, to mitigate the impact.
Johannesburg Water and Rand Water held a media briefing on 12 December 2025 at their Langlaagte depot to detail upcoming maintenance that could disrupt water supplies. The programme involves three phases targeting the Zuikerbosch and Eikenhof stations, which serve Johannesburg, Pretoria, and surrounding regions.
Phase one begins with a 48-hour shutdown at Zuikerbosch from 4am on 13 December to 15 December. This will be followed by phase two at Eikenhof, a 54-hour closure from 7pm on 19 December until midnight on 21 December. The final phase returns to Eikenhof for a shutdown from 4am on 6 January to 8am on 8 January. Each shutdown may lead to reduced pressure, intermittent supplies, or outages lasting three to five days in recovery, particularly in elevated areas.
Affected zones include Lenasia, Randburg, Roodepoort, parts of central Johannesburg such as Eagles Nest, Crown Gardens, Aeroton, and Alan Manor reservoirs, as well as Soweto. The Commando system might face secondary effects despite not being directly shut down.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo noted, “The timing of the maintenance work aligns with the rainy season, allowing for a faster recovery of the systems once the maintenance work is completed.”
To counter disruptions, Joburg Water plans to fill reservoirs to capacity by 8 December and designate hydrants as filling points. A new fleet of 20 city-owned water tankers, with 16 already available, will supplement contractor resources, providing over 80 tankers total. Operations manager Randhir Singh stated, “We have purchased 20, with 16 already on hand. Including the tankers we have commissioned from contractors, we have over 80 at our disposal. So we are comfortable that we have the number to ensure affected areas are supplied.” Phase one requires 78 tankers, decreasing to 62 for phase two and 26 for phase three. Additional tankers are expected in 2026 for emergencies and informal settlements.
This follows 2024 delays at Eikenhof and Zwartkopjes, amid broader challenges like 37% water loss from leaks and rising demand projected to exceed supply by 17% by 2030. Recent protests in Coronationville, Westbury, and at council chambers highlight ongoing frustrations. Officials urge conservation: shorter showers, covered pools, early watering, and fully off taps.
Tanker locations will be shared via Joburg Water platforms and councillors before each phase.
