Municipal Water Cuts – Gauteng residents are once again facing a water emergency, as municipalities across the province implement a series of severe 86-hour rotational shutdowns starting September 2025. The temporary water cuts, announced by Rand Water and affected municipalities, are part of an aggressive infrastructure maintenance and drought response plan. With dam levels dropping and ageing infrastructure under strain, the move is aimed at stabilising the water grid – but it’s bringing major disruption to households, businesses, and healthcare facilities. Water shortages in Gauteng are not new. However, this upcoming schedule marks one of the longest and most widespread interruptions yet, with multiple areas facing back-to-back shutdowns of up to four days at a time. While local authorities urge residents to use water sparingly and store reserves, demand for temporary water tanks and mobile water services has surged dramatically. Emergency preparedness is now more critical than ever. In this article, we’ll break down the September 2025 municipal water shutdown plan, how to check your area’s schedule, and most importantly – how to get access to temporary water tanks and alternative water supply solutions. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or healthcare provider, this guide will help you navigate the crisis effectively.
Full Breakdown of the Municipal Water Cuts Schedule
These planned cuts will affect several municipalities in a rotating pattern. Here’s a general overview of how the schedule will work:
- Shutdowns will occur in 86-hour blocks across Gauteng metros.
- The cycle will rotate across municipalities from 1st to 28th September 2025.
- Specific areas will be without municipal water during the allocated times.
- Hospitals and essential services are being prioritised with backup supply.
Water Cut Schedule by Municipality – September 2025
| Municipality | Affected Areas | Start Date | End Date | Duration (Hours) | Backup Supply Available | Tanker Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Johannesburg | Soweto, Roodepoort, Randburg | 01 Sep | 04 Sep | 86 | Yes (limited) | 12 | Soweto affected most |
| Tshwane | Centurion, Mamelodi, Pretoria W | 05 Sep | 08 Sep | 86 | Yes | 9 | Tankers available on call |
| Ekurhuleni | Benoni, Germiston, Boksburg | 09 Sep | 12 Sep | 86 | Yes (priority areas) | 8 | Industrial areas also hit |
| West Rand District | Krugersdorp, Randfontein | 13 Sep | 16 Sep | 86 | No | 4 | Severe strain expected |
| Sedibeng | Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging | 17 Sep | 20 Sep | 86 | Limited | 5 | Schools to close early |
| Johannesburg South | Lenasia, Ennerdale, Orange Farm | 21 Sep | 24 Sep | 86 | Yes | 7 | Local NGOs supporting |
| Tshwane North | Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa | 25 Sep | 28 Sep | 86 | Yes | 6 | Emergency water stations |
How to Prepare Your Home or Business for the Municipal Water Cuts
Planning ahead will make the shutdown more manageable. Whether for a household, small business, or healthcare facility, follow these steps to prepare:
- Store at least 2-5 days’ worth of water per person.
- Use plastic water containers or invest in a JoJo tank.
- Turn off geysers during low-pressure periods to prevent damage.
- Avoid flushing toilets unnecessarily.
- Stockpile water for cooking, washing, and cleaning.
Essential Water Storage Tips for Residents
| Container Type | Capacity (Litres) | Best Use | Average Cost (ZAR) | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5L Bottled Water | 5 | Drinking, cooking | R25 – R35 | Widely available |
| 25L Jerry Can | 25 | Basic household use | R80 – R120 | Hardware stores |
| 100L Drum | 100 | Bathroom & cleaning water | R250 – R400 | Builder suppliers |
| 250L JoJo Tank | 250 | Emergency domestic storage | R900 – R1,200 | JoJo distributors |
| 500L Slim Tank | 500 | Limited outdoor space solution | R1,500 – R2,000 | Selected retailers |
| 1000L Vertical Tank | 1000 | Household/office backup | R2,800 – R3,400 | Plumbing suppliers |
| 5000L JoJo Tank | 5000 | Long-term water independence | R6,500 – R8,000 | Agri suppliers |
Where to Get Temporary Water Tanks in Gauteng
Demand for water tanks has soared. Here’s where and how you can get temporary storage solutions or delivery services during the crisis.
- Local JoJo tank suppliers are offering discounts for affected areas.
- Municipalities are partnering with private water suppliers for rentals.
- NGOs are helping distribute smaller tanks in underserved communities.
Verified Water Tank Suppliers in Gauteng
| Supplier Name | Type of Service | Location | Contact Number | Price Range | Delivery Available | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JoJo Tanks Gauteng | Retail & delivery | Midrand | 010 442 5600 | R250 – R8,000 | Yes | www.jojo.co.za |
| Builders Warehouse | Retail | Nationwide | 0860 284 533 | R300 – R7,500 | Yes (fees apply) | www.builders.co.za |
| Aquadam | Custom tanks & delivery | Pretoria West | 012 797 3447 | R1,200 – R9,000 | Yes | www.aquadam.co.za |
| Water Africa | Water transport & tanks | Johannesburg South | 011 682 2422 | Quote on request | Yes | www.waterafrica.co.za |
| Agri Tanks | Rural & agri suppliers | Randfontein | 010 880 2195 | R900 – R6,500 | Limited | www.agritanks.co.za |
Emergency Water Tanker Services
If you don’t have storage capacity, water tankers are being dispatched in specific areas to provide temporary relief.
- Municipal tankers will rotate through hotspot areas every 8-10 hours.
- Private tankers available for hire via water delivery companies.
- Locations for collection are being published daily.
Emergency Tanker Distribution Points (Johannesburg)
| Area | Collection Point | Hours of Operation | Tanker Frequency | Security On Site | Contact Helpdesk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soweto | Maponya Mall Parking Lot | 6am – 10pm | Every 6 hours | Yes | 0800 003 003 |
| Roodepoort | Westgate Shopping Centre | 8am – 8pm | Every 8 hours | Yes | 0860 654 321 |
| Randburg | Brightwater Commons | 7am – 9pm | Every 10 hours | Yes | 011 376 5000 |
| Orange Farm | Orange Farm Civic Centre | 6am – 6pm | Daily | Limited | 0800 111 155 |
| Johannesburg CBD | Joubert Park | 24/7 | Every 12 hours | Yes | 0861 900 300 |
Mobile Tanker Services – Hire Options
If you’re looking to rent a tanker for business or residential use, these are the companies to contact:
- Water on Wheels – 087 654 1122
- AquaSwift Logistics – 010 825 7781
- TankerMan Services – 011 553 2266
- Joburg Water Emergency Line – 0800 00 25 85
Schools, Hospitals and Businesses: What You Need to Know
Institutional facilities must take extra measures. The city has issued special guidelines to prevent disruptions in essential services.
- Schools advised to close early on shutdown days or ensure water tank storage on-site.
- Hospitals will receive priority tanker delivery every 12 hours.
- Businesses are encouraged to reschedule water-intensive operations.
Water Management Plans for Institutions
| Facility Type | Recommended Action | Support Provided | Contact for Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | Install 1000L JoJo tank or close on cut days | Yes – via Dept of Edu | 0800 202 933 |
| Hospitals | Secure 5000L+ tanks and backup generator | Yes – National Health | 012 395 8000 |
| Retail Stores | Reschedule cleaning & restrict bathroom use | No direct aid | Local Chamber of Commerce |
| Restaurants | Use disposable utensils & pre-store wash water | No | Industry Hotline |
| Office Parks | Inform tenants, reduce geyser use | Limited – Check with COJ | 0860 JOBURG |
The 86-hour water cuts in September 2025 are a serious inconvenience – but with preparation, communities can stay safe and healthy. Store water ahead of time, access temporary tanks where possible, and stay updated with local municipality alerts. For businesses and institutions, this is a critical time to activate your water management protocols and support staff and customers. Stay alert, stay hydrated, and support one another through the shutdown period.
FAQs About the September 2025 Water Cuts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long will each shutdown last? | Each area will experience an 86-hour water cut on a rotating basis. |
| Will water be restored exactly after 86 hours? | In most cases yes, but delays are possible due to infrastructure load. |
| Can I buy a tank and connect it to my tap system? | Yes, with a plumber’s help and proper fittings. |
| What if I can’t afford a tank? | Municipalities and NGOs are providing small containers in some areas. |
| Are water cuts affecting rural areas too? | Yes, especially in Sedibeng and West Rand. |
| Will electricity be affected too? | No, this shutdown only affects water. |
| Are there penalties for overusing during shortage? | Yes, high usage during cuts can result in fines in some zones. |
| Where can I report water theft or misuse? | Contact Johannesburg Water at 0800 00 25 85. |