Rand Water said that on Sunday, three medium-voltage motors used to run the pumps, exploded. This caused the pumps at Rand Water's Palmiet booster pumping station to become inoperable and left the pump station running at 55% capacity, causing parts of Gauteng to experience water interruptions.

News24 reports the cause of the explosion, according to a statement by Rand Water, is still under investigation.

On Wednesday, Johannesburg Water said several areas had been left without water, including Midrand, Ivory Park, Ebony Park, Diepsloot, South Hills, Linmeyer, Risana, Oakdene, Tulisa Park, Rosettenville and Klipriviersberg.

"South Hills Tower and Midrand Reservoirs are still under enormous strain due to the explosion at the Rand Water Palmiet booster pumping station. Rand Water has been able to repair some of the electrical switch gears which has assisted to boost pumping, but it is still not at full capacity," Johannesburg Water said in a statement.

The municipality said it expected water supply to be fully restored by Thursday.

"Our bulk supplier has indicated that repairs should be completed on Thursday. We have arranged for additional water tankers in the affected areas [and] a comprehensive list of the position of the tankers."

News24