Merafong City Faces Strained Water Supply Amid 40% Restrictions

Karen Scheepers
1 day ago
2 min read

The Municipality of Merafong City has issued a comprehensive update on the ongoing water supply challenges, following restrictions imposed by Rand Water. With reservoirs at critically low levels and several areas already experiencing disruptions, officials outlined the measures being implemented to stabilize the situation and support affected communities.

Current Water Supply Situation

The water system in Merafong is under severe pressure due to a 40% supply restriction enforced by Rand Water. This has left reservoir levels at critical lows, particularly in areas connected directly to Rand Water mains, where storage capacity is limited.

To mitigate the crisis, the Municipality has implemented strategic water management by temporarily closing certain outlets in municipal reservoirs during off-peak hours. This intervention is aimed at reserving water for peak usage.

On 1 September 2025, Merafong formally appealed to Rand Water for a reconfiguration of restrictions to balance supply across all affected zones. A response is still pending.

Reservoir Status (Water Levels)

Fochville Reservoir	Level
2.5 ML	20%
12 ML	30%
5 ML	0%

Carletonville Reservoirs	Level
Adata Reservoir 5 ML	30%
Small Reservoir 2.5 ML	45%
Blybank Reservoir 4 ML	12%

Areas Currently Affected

Wedela, Blybank, Mphahlwa

Without Water: Around Xhobani, 2nd Avenue, 1st Avenue Bottle Store, Kilimanjaro, Kokomalo, Single Quarters
Already Serviced Today: Kilimanjaro, Bottle Store side
Low Pressure: Carletonville Extensions 8, 9, and 007

Kokosi

With Water: Old Kokosi, North Extension 1 & 2, Bottom side of Extension 3, Phase 2
Without Water: Middle Extension 1, Entire Extensions 4, 5, 6 and portions of Extension 3
Already Serviced Today:
- Truck 1: Ext 6 (West Wide Area, Open space between Ext 9 & 6, Matlagana area near grounds)
- Truck 2: Ext 1 (next to Matosbane’s Church)
- Truck 3: Ext 4 (Corner Ext 9 & Ext 4)
- Truck 4: Ext 5 (Silver Tank area)

Interventions by the Municipality

Water Tankers: Daily deployments are ensuring temporary supply in water-scarce areas. Deliveries are scheduled at 12:00, 15:00, and 17:30, although timing may vary depending on pressure at refill stations.
Valve Configurations: Technical teams are reconfiguring valves to stabilize supply, especially in Fochville where Rand Water connections are direct.
Community Support: Planned and completed water deliveries continue in high-priority areas.

Water Tanker Schedule

Time	Areas
09:00 AM	Skydiving, Blybank, Mphahlwa Village, Rooipoort (Already serviced)
12:00 PM	Blybank, Rooipoort, Skydiving, Mphahlwa Village (Already serviced)
03:00 PM	Skydiving, Blybank, Mphahlwa Village, Rooipoort (depends on reservoir levels)
05:30 PM	Blybank, Rooipoort, Skydving, Mphahlwa Village (depends on reservoir levels)
03:00 PM	Ext 6 (West Wide Area, Open space between Ext 9 & 6, Matlagana near grounds)
05:30 PM	Ext 1 (next to Matosbane’s Church)
05:30 PM	Ext 4 (Corner Ext 9 & Ext 4)
05:30 PM	Ext 5 (Silver Tank area)

Securing Community Water Access

Municipal officials emphasized that while the restrictions are beyond local control, interventions such as tanker distribution, valve management, and direct communication with residents are designed to minimize hardship.

The situation remains fluid, with the municipality awaiting Rand Water’s response on possible reconfiguration. Residents are urged to use water sparingly and to remain alert for further official updates.