Gauteng metros hit with water restrictions

Residents in high-lying areas in the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane will  from Saturday experience a reduced water supply, Rand Water announced.

Rand Water spokesperson Justice Mohale confirmed the water regulator was implementing water restrictions due to  higher than normal water consumption - coupled with below average dam levels - in the three Gauteng metros.

In a statement, Mohale said the 25% reduction in supply was a consequence of higher than normal demand resulting in average storage capacity dropping below 60% in some reservoirs like Brakfontein, Klipfontein, and Hartebeeshoek.

“Our reservoirs are currently sitting at just 40% and our policy is to maintain levels of between 60% and 80%. Areas in high-lying areas will be affected first as the pressure to pump water to their areas is low. These restrictions are to ensure we don’t cut water completely,” said Mohale.

He said all its customers were informed of the need to reduce water consumption and use water sparingly.

He was unsure when the situation would be expected to return to normal.

Mohale however revealed that mines and big industries would not be affected by the water restrictions as they received water directly from Rand Water.

In March, the City of Johannesburg instituted level 1 water restrictions, this after the Vaal Dam – Gauteng’s largest water source – dipped under 70% ahead of the usually-dry winter season.

Level 1 restrictions include:

• No watering of garden or plants with a hosepipe is forbidden.
• Residents are not allowed to hose down paved areas,
• On sports fields, only the watering of cricket pitches, golf course greens and bowling greens are permitted for two hours per day, twice per week. 
• No backwashing of swimming pools

Ekurhuleni Spokesperson Themba Gadebe  confirmed that they were aware of the water restrictions.

“We have allowed Rand Water to deal with the matter and communicate with the communities,” said Gadebe.