A major water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni has left several regions without water, following a significant leak in a Rand Water pipeline at the Palmiet Booster Station. This disruption is affecting key areas, including Germiston, Kempton Park, Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Thembisa.
While repair teams are working to resolve the issue, there is currently no confirmed timeline for the restoration of the water supply.
In this article, we explore the causes of this water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni, the affected areas, and what residents can do during this time.
What Happened?
On 18 June 2025, Rand Water reported that a leak in one of its major pipelines at the Palmiet Booster Station has caused a water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni. The leak led to the stoppage of water pumping, affecting several communities in Kempton Park, Germiston, Edenvale, Bedfordview, and Thembisa.
While Rand Water has mobilized its repair teams, the full restoration of water supply is not yet available. As of now, there is no clear timeline for when normal service will resume, and the situation is expected to persist until the necessary repairs are completed.
Learn more: Why Is My Water Bill So High? Common Reasons and How to Fix It
Water Supply Interruption in Ekurhuleni: Affected Areas
The water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni is widespread, impacting numerous suburbs and neighborhoods. These include:
Germiston: Dawnview, Fishers Hill, Solheim, Whychwood, Malvern East, Sunnyrock, Homestead, Woodmere, Symhurst, Marlands, Sunnyridge, Gerdview, Germiston CBD, Lambton, Germiston South, Driehook, Elsburg, Whychwood, Dukathole, Makausa informal, Delport informal, Marathon informal.
Kempton Park: Kempton Park, Phomolong, Bonaero Park, Brendwood Park, Croydon, Aston Manor, CBD, Glen Marais and extensions, Pomona, Bredell, Cresslawn, Spartan, and Friendship Town.
Edenvale / Bedfordview: Meadowbrook, Meadowdale, Tunney, Maristian Park, Bedfordview, Edenvale, Oriel, Bedford Gardens, Klopper Park, Isandovale, Elandsfontein, Highway Gardens, Edenglen, Dowerglen, Donvegan, Essexwold, Eastleigh, Illiondale, Sebenza, Jet Park, and parts of Whitfield.
Thembisa: Winnie Mandela, Esselen Park Ext 1, 2, and 3.
This extensive water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni has affected both residential and business areas, leaving thousands of residents without access to clean water.
What Are the City Authorities Doing?
In response to the ongoing water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni, Rand Water and the City of Ekurhuleni have taken several steps to mitigate the impact. To ensure that essential needs are met, water tankers have been dispatched to the affected areas, providing emergency water supplies for residents.
Local authorities are also urging residents to conserve water during this time. The goal is to minimize the strain on the available supply until normal service is restored. While efforts are being made to fix the pipeline leak, no estimated restoration time has been provided, meaning the situation could persist for some time.
Advice for Affected Residents
Given the water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni, it is essential for residents to adopt certain measures to manage the ongoing situation:
Use Water Sparingly: Until the water supply is fully restored, residents are advised to use water only for essential purposes. Activities such as washing cars or watering gardens should be postponed to conserve water.
Prepare for Longer Delays: While the authorities are working hard to restore water, there is currently no clear timeline for when normal service will resume. Be prepared for the outage to last longer than anticipated and stock up on bottled water or fill containers for essential tasks.
Stay Updated: Keep an eye on updates from Rand Water and the City of Ekurhuleni regarding the status of the repair work and the restoration of the water supply. Official channels will provide the latest information on when the issue will be resolved.
Follow Local Guidelines: Pay close attention to any specific instructions from local authorities, including details on water tanker deliveries or other water conservation measures. These guidelines will help ensure that the community’s needs are met.
Support Vulnerable Communities: Some communities may face more significant challenges due to the water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni. If possible, assist elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may struggle to obtain water during this time.
Why Is the Water Outage Happening?
The water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni is a result of a leak in a key Rand Water pipeline at the Palmiet Booster Station. This station plays a vital role in pumping water to the affected areas. The leak caused a halt in the water flow, leading to a complete disruption in service.
While leaks in large pipelines can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural wear and tear, external damage, or shifting ground, their effects can be far-reaching, especially in densely populated areas. The current water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni is a clear reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of critical water infrastructure.
The Role of Rand Water in the Situation
Rand Water is the state-owned utility responsible for bulk water supply in the region. It plays an essential role in ensuring that water reaches communities across Ekurhuleni and surrounding areas. When problems like pipeline leaks occur, it can cause widespread disruptions in water service.
Rand Water has prioritized the repair efforts, and its teams are on-site working to resolve the issue. However, due to the complexity of the situation, the repair timeline is uncertain. The ongoing water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni highlights the challenges of maintaining water infrastructure in a growing urban environment.The water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni has left many residents in Germiston, Kempton Park, Bedfordview, Edenvale, and Thembisa without access to water, following a leak in a Rand Water pipeline. While repair teams are actively working to restore service, the exact timeline for full restoration remains unknown.
During this time, residents are urged to use water sparingly and stay informed about updates from local authorities. Water tankers have been dispatched to provide emergency supplies, but the situation may persist for an extended period. By conserving water and following local guidelines, residents can help mitigate the impact of this water supply interruption in Ekurhuleni.
