Full Water Suspension – In a startling and urgent development, the South African government has officially confirmed a complete suspension of water supply across Gauteng and 11 other critical areas starting 10 July 2025. This move, part of a broader emergency infrastructure maintenance programme, is set to cause massive disruptions in both urban and rural households. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), along with Rand Water, cited severe pipeline deterioration, urgent repairs, and load-shedding-related pump failures as key causes for this drastic decision. This comes at a time when many communities are already struggling with irregular access to clean water, especially during winter when alternative water sources are scarce. The suspension is expected to last at least 4 days, with some regions projected to face longer interruptions depending on infrastructure conditions and repair delays. The Department has urged all affected residents to store water in advance, as water tankers will be limited and only available in priority zones such as hospitals and schools. With potential consequences ranging from hygiene risks to economic slowdowns in informal settlements and township economies, residents are now rushing to prepare for what is being called “the worst water blackout of 2025.” If you live in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, or any surrounding district listed in the affected regions, this article will guide you through everything you need to know — from the full list of affected areas, expected timelines, alternative water supply zones, and crucial preparation steps every household must follow.
Which Areas Will Experience Full Water Suspension from 10 July?
The following locations have been officially listed under full water suspension from 10 July to 14 July:
- Gauteng – Johannesburg South, Midrand, Soweto, Pretoria East
- Limpopo – Polokwane (East), Lebowakgomo
- Mpumalanga – Nelspruit, Emalahleni
- North West – Rustenburg, Klerksdorp
- Free State – Welkom, Botshabelo
Full Water Suspension – Full List of Affected Locations by Province
Below is the government-confirmed table of all 12 locations with high-risk zones under full water suspension:
| Province | District/Area | Suspension Start | Suspension End | High Risk Zone | Tanker Supply | Estimated Impacted Households |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg South | 10 July | 14 July | Ennerdale, Orange Farm | Yes | 250,000+ |
| Gauteng | Soweto | 10 July | 13 July | Zola, Diepkloof | Yes | 180,000+ |
| Gauteng | Pretoria East | 10 July | 15 July | Mamelodi, Eersterust | No | 120,000+ |
| Limpopo | Polokwane East | 11 July | 14 July | Seshego, Nirvana | Yes | 80,000+ |
| Limpopo | Lebowakgomo | 11 July | 13 July | All Sectors | No | 65,000+ |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit | 10 July | 13 July | CBD, Mataffin | Yes | 70,000+ |
| Mpumalanga | Emalahleni | 11 July | 14 July | KwaGuqa, Reyno Ridge | No | 60,000+ |
| North West | Rustenburg | 10 July | 14 July | Tlhabane, Boitekong | Yes | 90,000+ |
| North West | Klerksdorp | 11 July | 15 July | Jouberton, Alabama | No | 55,000+ |
| Free State | Welkom | 10 July | 13 July | Thabong, Bronville | Yes | 75,000+ |
| Free State | Botshabelo | 10 July | 12 July | All Zones | Yes | 45,000+ |
| Gauteng | Midrand | 10 July | 14 July | Noordwyk, Glen Austin | No | 100,000+ |
Government’s Official Statement on the Full Water Suspension
The Department of Water and Sanitation released a press briefing confirming the technical necessity of the water cuts. The main pipelines feeding Gauteng and its surrounding areas have developed critical structural faults that, if left unattended, could result in catastrophic infrastructure failure.
Key Reasons Behind the Water Shutdown
- Aging Infrastructure – 30+ year-old pipelines at risk of bursting.
- Load-Shedding Impact – Electrical surges disrupting pump stations.
- Climate Stress – Low dam levels due to winter drought patterns.
- Emergency Repairs – Rand Water replacing main bulk valves and meters.
- Illegal Connections – Over 20% non-revenue water loss recorded.
What You Should Do Before 10 July – Critical Preparation Steps
Residents are urged to follow these urgent steps to avoid complete water shortage chaos:
- Store at least 20–30 litres per person for basic needs (drinking, cooking, hygiene).
- Fill bathtubs, buckets, and containers a day before shutdown.
- Purchase bottled water if your area lacks tanker support.
- Avoid unnecessary water use on or before 10 July.
- Collect rainwater using bins or drums if possible.
- Disinfect stored water using bleach drops (unscented).
- Inform neighbours and community members about the outage timeline.
Checklist for Water Crisis Readiness
| Task | Completed (Yes/No) |
|---|---|
| Stored water for at least 3 days | |
| Bought bottled water | |
| Notified family members | |
| Cleaned and sealed containers | |
| Identified community tankers | |
| Disinfected stored water |
Which Areas Will Receive Water Tanker Support?
While some communities will benefit from tanker deliveries, many will not. The government has prioritized essential services and vulnerable areas first.
Confirmed Tanker Routes by Municipality
| Municipality | Tanker Delivery Zones | Frequency | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg Metro | Soweto, Ennerdale | Daily | 06:00 – 21:00 |
| Tshwane Metro | None | None | N/A |
| Polokwane | Seshego, CBD | Twice Daily | 07:00 – 20:00 |
| Rustenburg | Tlhabane, CBD | Daily | 06:00 – 18:00 |
| Welkom | Thabong, Central | Daily | 08:00 – 19:00 |
Possible Health Risks During the Outage Period
Health experts are warning of increased risk of water-borne diseases and hygiene-related infections, especially in densely populated informal settlements.
Health Hazards You Must Avoid
- Diarrhoea outbreaks due to unsafe water usage.
- Food contamination when using unclean utensils.
- Skin infections from poor personal hygiene.
- Mosquito breeding from uncovered water containers.
- Dehydration in elderly and children if water is not rationed properly.
When Will Normal Supply Resume?
While the government aims to restore full services by 15 July 2025, past records suggest delays are possible, especially if weather conditions or technical setbacks occur.
What Can Delay the Water Return?
- Rain or flooding slowing construction sites.
- Shortage of replacement parts.
- Vandalism or theft of infrastructure equipment.
- Technical issues in pump calibration post-repair.
Tips to Reduce Water Usage During Emergency
Simple changes in your daily habits can help stretch your stored supply much longer.
Smart Water Saving Techniques
- Use wet wipes or hand sanitiser instead of water for hand cleaning.
- Reuse water from washing for toilets or floors.
- Cook meals that use minimal water.
- Limit bathing to once every 2 days with stored water.
- Don’t wash cars, clothes, or floors unless necessary.
The coming water blackout will test household preparedness, especially in already vulnerable areas. It’s crucial for all South Africans in affected zones to act immediately, conserve resources, and share information. Whether through collecting early or helping neighbours, preparation can help prevent panic and serious health issues. Authorities are racing against time to complete the repairs, but until then, every drop matters.
FAQs of Full Water Suspension
Q1: Will every household in Gauteng lose water?
A: Yes, if your area is listed in the affected zones, complete water suspension will apply.
Q2: What if I don’t have water containers?
A: You can use clean bathtubs, cooking pots, or even trash bins (cleaned and covered) to store water.
Q3: Can I boil water to make it safe?
A: Yes, boiling water for at least 1 minute kills most pathogens.
Q4: Will the outage affect electricity too?
A: No, this is a water-specific infrastructure project. However, some pump stations may rely on backup power during load-shedding.
Q5: How will I know when my water is restored?
A: Local municipalities and Rand Water will issue SMS alerts and community announcements once repairs are completed.
Q6: Can I report a problem or ask for emergency help?
A: Yes, call the Rand Water helpline at 0860 10 10 60 or contact your municipal disaster hotline.