The interruptions are necessary to allow for cleaning and maintenance work at two reservoirs, said Mangaung acting spokesperson Nicolette Maysiels. Cleaning and maintenance work would be conducted at the Pentagon reservoir on Tuesday, while cleaning and repairs to the internal scour valve would take place at the Dan Pienaar reservoir on Wednesday.

Suburbs expected to be affected include Heuwelsig, Hillsboro, Pentagon Park, Northridge, Wild Olive, Lilly Valley, Woodland Hills. “Residents are requested to store sufficient water ahead of the planned work and use water sparingly during the interruptions. Water supply will be restored progressively once the work is completed and the reservoir levels recover,” Maysiels said.

The planned interruptions come as the ailing metro continues to grapple with longstanding infrastructure and service delivery challenges, including sewage spillages and potholes, with some problems reportedly persisting for more than a decade.

City manager Sello More previously said the metro was working to address service delivery challenges in Freedom Square and other parts of Mangaung. The metro is estimated to require approximately R4bn to address its infrastructure challenges.

Mangaung reportedly loses between 48% and 49% of its bulk water supply due to extensive leaks, ageing and burst pipes, as well as unmetered consumption. Raw sewage continues to flow into streets, residential yards and local waterways, while approximately 22% of households still rely on pit toilets.

Meanwhile, the Vaal Triangle faces mounting water supply concerns. The department of water and sanitation has urged residents across Gauteng and the northern Free State to reduce consumption as rising demand and anticipated El Niño conditions threaten water supplies during the 2026/27 summer season.

The South African Weather Service has warned strong El Niño conditions could bring below-average rainfall and higher temperatures, reducing dam inflows and increasing evaporation. Gauteng residents consume an average of 250L of water per person daily, compared with the international average of 173L.

Heatwave

The department estimates that 47% of water is classified as non-revenue water, with physical losses accounting for approximately 27 percentage points. A prolonged heatwave has further increased demand on already strained municipal supply systems.

The department warns restrictions on water abstraction could be imposed on agricultural, industrial and other users, including water boards, if supplies come under further pressure.

It says Rand Water cannot simply increase its withdrawals from the Integrated Vaal River System to meet growing demand. Residents are urged to repair leaks, limit unnecessary consumption and comply with municipal water restrictions.

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