Reducing water disruptions: Testing municipal readiness

WE HAVE entered the cooler months of May to July, a period with generally reduced water consumption due to lower temperatures.

- PROF ANJA DU PLESSIS

Rand Water has strategically scheduled critical maintenance on its key infrastructure during this period to minimise disruptions and better manage the potential impacts on the water supply.

The primary aim of the planned essential maintenance is to increase system capacity and enhance plant availability, reliability and operational efficiency.

In essence, it is intended to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of Rand Water's supply network in response to current heightened water supply challenges across the Gauteng Province and in preparation for the anticipated increase in water demand from August, when temperatures start to rise.

The planned maintenance activities will commence at different times and in different locations across various municipalities. The maintenance period will affect water provision to major metropolitan areas in Gauteng - City of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni - and other municipalities, including Rand West, Mogale City, Merafong, Madibeng, Lesedi, Govan Mbeki, Rustenburg, Royal Bafokeng Administration, Victor Khanye, Thembisile Hani, Midvaal and Emfuleni.

The reduction in pumping capacity at the Eikenhof, Palmiet, Mapleton and Zwartkopjes systems during the maintenance period may cause the affected areas to experience low water pressure and/or intermittent supply.

Affected areas have consequently been advised to prepare for water disruptions - low water pressure and/or no supply - especially during the main maintenance period to commence at 3am on May 29, with completion expected at 5pm on June 2. The overall duration of the various scheduled maintenance activities will differ from one area to the next, with some facing 10 - 12 hours and others the longest water disruption lasting 107 hours.