Rand Water project complete but reservoirs still at low to critical levels

The hard work is done and the wait for flowing taps is underway.

Rand Water confirmed on Friday morning (July 14) that they had successfully completed planned maintenance to tie in two valves between their A19 and B14 pipelines. Rand Water had stated the evening before that they were running ahead of schedule, news greeted with much joy by residents, who now begin the wait to have water running through their pipes again.

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The regional water board has gradually been releasing water into the system and stressed that it will take several days for the system to stabilise. Johannesburg Water reiterated this, urging residents to prepare for between five to 10 days for water to be restored. Those in high-lying areas will experience lengthier delays, up to 14 days, and water tankers will continue to distribute water to key sites around the affected areas until supply is restored.

Ward councillors have been keeping their residents informed, relaying that in the Roodepoort and Randburg areas there are a total of 100 JoJo tanks, as well as 31 roaming trucks. Randburg and Roodepoort filling points are still impacted, creating delays in replenishing distribution points. Councillors have requested a list of tankers to be revised and said list will be shared once received.

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Johannebsurg Water’s Region C depot reminded residents that the network supplied by the Eikenhof pump station is extensive and will take time as the reservoirs around Roodepoort are critically low to empty. Stage six load-shedding is currently in effect until further notice, a factor which could cause intermittent delays at pumping stations. Ward councillors plan to meet with Johannesburg Water again on Sunday to receive an update on the recovery, which will be relayed to residents.