Merafong Water Crisis Deepens Amid Payment Non-Compliance and Rand Water Restrictions
- Karen Scheepers
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Merafong City Local Municipality issued a Public Notice on December 7, 2025, informing residents that the water supply situation across the municipality remained critical. This severe status is attributed to ongoing bulk water restrictions implemented by Rand Water.
Financial and Operational Challenges
Rand Water reduced bulk supply to Merafong by 40% due to the Municipality’s non-compliance with the agreed debt repayment plan. This restriction applies to the entire municipality without exception. The system inflow remained extremely low, measuring approximately 0.8 bar, which particularly affected high-lying areas.
The Municipality confirmed that the overall municipal water payment rate stands at 42%. Payment levels in numerous areas were below 50%, a factor directly undermining the Municipality's ability to pay Rand Water.
The Municipality confirmed that the committed payment of R20 million for November 2025 was paid in full. Future confirmed payment plan commitments include R20 million for December 2025 and R20 million for January 2026. Further engagements were held with Rand Water regarding a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), financial commitments, sustainable supply, distribution efficiency, and system stabilisation.
Reservoir Status and Affected Areas (as of 7 December 2025)
The notice provided an update on reservoir levels and service status across the municipality, based on the following Colour Status Legend: Green (Good/Stable, Above 70%), Yellow (Low/Warning, 20%-69%), Red (Critical/Severely Low, Below 20%), Black (Empty Reservoir), Orange (Low Water Pressure), and Black with a line (No Water Supply).
Reservoir | Level | Status | Area(s) Affected | Status |
Carletonville | Carletonville Skydiving | No Water | ||
Adara Reservoir (5ML) | 40% | Low | Khutsong Ext 5 (High Areas) | No Water |
Carletonville East (2.5ML) | 20% | Critical | Carletonville East | Low Pressure |
Blybank Reservoir (4ML) | 10% | Critical | Khutsong North | Low Pressure |
Fochville | Middle Town | Low Pressure | ||
2.5 ML | 10% | Critical | Extensions 1 & 2 | No / Low Water |
5 ML | 0% | Empty | Greenpark | No / Low Water |
12 ML | 10% | Critical | Khutsong (Ext 1–6, Phase 2, Ext 99 & Old Kokosi) | No / Low Water |
High-lying Areas | Severely Affected | |||
Wedela | Wedela | Stable (No complaints reported) | ||
10 ML | 80% | Good | ||
2.5 ML | 80% | Good |
Water Tanker Services and Community Appeal
Water tankers are deployed daily according to a structured priority system, focusing on hospitals, clinics, schools, old age homes, and other critical institutions. Residents were requested to collect water only from official distribution points.
The Municipality issued an urgent appeal to residents, particularly those in low-payment areas, to:
Start paying immediately.
Enter into arrangements.
Clear arrears where possible.
Failure to pay was warned to cause bulk restrictions, create tanker dependency, undermine service delivery, and risk total system failure.
A community warning was also issued stating that obstruction or intimidation of water tanker services is a criminal offence. Such acts endanger lives, disrupt emergency services, and will lead to arrest and prosecution. Residents were requested to use water sparingly, protect infrastructure, allow access for tankers, report vandalism and leaks, and remain calm and cooperative.
The Path Forward: Sustained Resolution
The Municipality continues discussions with Rand Water on long-term solutions for reliable water supply. However, the critical status of the water supply highlights the urgent need for improved community payment compliance to alleviate the financial strain and subsequent bulk water restrictions, ensuring a sustainable service for all residents.
💧📉🛑🏘️
Comments