Residents across several areas of Johannesburg are advised to brace for significant water supply disruptions as Rand Water commences the third phase of its scheduled maintenance program. This critical 54-hour intervention is set to begin at 04:00 on Tuesday, 6 January, and conclude at 08:00 on Thursday, 8 January, as confirmed by Johannesburg Water.

The maintenance initiative is an integral part of Rand Water's ongoing infrastructure upgrades, specifically designed to enhance the overall reliability and efficiency of the bulk water supply systems serving the region. During this period, the essential work will involve the replacement of crucial isolation valves situated on key bulk supply pipelines, identified as the F45, F39, F28, and F15 meters. This targeted intervention is vital for the long-term integrity and performance of the water network.

During the 54-hour maintenance window, water levels within the affected systems across Johannesburg are anticipated to experience a noticeable decline as reservoirs gradually empty. This decrease in supply is highly likely to result in instances of low water pressure or, in some areas, a complete cessation of water supply. Communities connected via direct feed systems are particularly vulnerable and are expected to be the first to experience these disruptions.

A wide array of reservoirs and their associated supply zones in Johannesburg are slated for impact. These include the Meadowlands Reservoir and its direct feeds, which will affect Meadowlands (all zones and extensions), Tshepo Themba, Dube, Central Western Jabavu, Mofolo Central and North, Orlando West, Zondi, and Mmesi Park. The Doornkop Reservoir and its direct feeds will impact Dobsonville, Lufhereng, Protea City, Protea Glen, Thulani, Doornkop, Green Village, Slovoville, Tshepisong, and Leratong Village.

Furthermore, Bramfischerville Reservoir 1 & 2 and their direct feeds are expected to see disruptions in Braamfischerville, Durban Deep, Sol Plaatjies, Goudrand, and Mmesi Park. The Roodepoort Deep area will affect Hamberg, Rand Leases, Discovery Extension 9, Georginia, Roodepoort, and Creswell Park. Lastly, the Fleurhof Reservoir will impact Lea Glen and Fleurhof. Johannesburg Water has also cautioned that due to the intricate and interconnected nature of the supply network, secondary impacts might extend to neighbouring areas not explicitly listed.

Regarding the recovery timeline, Johannesburg Water has advised residents that while the maintenance itself is 54 hours, full system recovery could take between three and five days once pumping operations resume. Areas that receive their supply via direct feeds, despite being the first to experience disruptions, are generally expected to recover more quickly once the systems stabilize. To mitigate the inconvenience, Johannesburg Water has committed to providing an alternative water supply, including strategically deployed water tankers, to the communities most affected by the maintenance. Residents are strongly encouraged to store sufficient water in advance of the maintenance period and to exercise extreme caution and sparingly use available water resources throughout the duration of the disruption.