Rand Water has begun phase one of a maintenance programme expected to run until 2 June, with experts saying the work will support long-term water supply reliability.
Water expert and former Director-General of Water and Sanitation Prof. Mike Muller welcomed the programme. He noted that routine upkeep is essential but highlighted challenges from rapid population growth.
"This kind of maintenance for 12 or 24 hours actually doesn’t need to even interrupt water supply if we have enough reservoirs in the cities and towns which are supplied by Rand Water to maintain the services while the tap is switched off. But I think what we found is that the population has grown very fast," Muller said.
Joburg Water has deployed roving and stationary tankers in affected areas including Roodepoort, Soweto and Sandton. Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala said priority goes to schools, hospitals and informal settlements. Residents can report issues via councillors, the utility or social media.