In response to significant water supply disruptions in Gauteng, South Africa, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina has granted Rand Water the authority to extract additional water from the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). This decision comes after serious mechanical failures at Rand Water's Palmiet and Zuikerbosch pump stations and a major pipe burst at the Klipfontein reservoir between January 27 and February 1, 2026, which severely impacted the region's water supply. These disturbances led to a drastic reduction in the supply of treated water to various municipalities, particularly affecting high-lying areas that faced severe water shortages.

Following the disruptions, Rand Water managed to restore its operations and return to full capacity by February 4, pumping 5,000 million litres of water daily. However, the backlog and subsequent depletion of municipal reservoirs during the supply disruptions mean that urgent interventions, such as abstraction from the IVRS, are necessary to fully stabilize water supply for affected communities. Authorities are concerned that although low-lying areas remained relatively unaffected, the ongoing issues highlight the vulnerability of water supply infrastructure in Gauteng and underline the need for sustainable solutions to prevent future crises.

This temporary boost in water abstraction is part of a broader strategy to ensure reliable and sustainable water supply in Gauteng, which has faced ongoing challenges related to its infrastructure and water management systems. The situation raises concerns about the resilience of essential services in the region, and emphasizes the importance of both immediate remedies and long-term planning to safeguard the availability of this vital resource for all communities in the province.