A major electrical failure at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant has triggered a water crisis affecting many residents across Johannesburg, Tshwane, and surrounding areas in Gauteng. While the bulk water supply has now stabilised following emergency repairs, several key reservoirs remain critically low, with full recovery not expected until the weekend. Johannesburg Water confirmed on Thursday morning that Rand Water has restored bulk pumping operations, with the Eikenhof Pump Station and Zwartkopjes Pump Station both operating at 100% full load.
Meanwhile, the Palmiet Pump Station is running at approximately 95% capacity. “This represents a positive development and signals the commencement of the bulk system recovery phase for RW systems, after which, allowing recovery progression towards Johannesburg Water systems that have been affected,” the utility said. However, the utility warned that despite this improvement, reservoir recovery and network balancing would be gradual.
“Customers may therefore continue to experience: Low water pressure, intermittent water supply and gradual water supply restoration, particularly in high-lying areas,” Joburg Water stated. The crisis began on 26 January 2026 when an emergency pump repair was required at the Palmiet Pump Station, but escalated dramatically the following day when a motor explosion and power failure occurred in Engine Room 4 at the Zuikerbosch Plant, disrupting pumping across multiple systems. Joburg Water confirmed that the electrical failure led to severe supply constraints affecting its distribution network.
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“This has led to poor to no water supply to a number of Johannesburg Water reservoirs, particularly affecting areas within Midrand, Sandton and parts of Johannesburg Central,” the utility said. Despite the stabilisation of bulk pumping, several Johannesburg Water reservoirs remain low or critically low. According to Thursday morning’s update, the Sandton systems serving Bryanston, Illovo, and other direct-feed areas within Sandton continue to experience supply constraints.
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