The City of Ekurhuleni has reintroduced previously lifted water restrictions, in response to a call by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The metro made the announcement this morning, saying the measures are being implemented to curb consumption by 15%.
The department announced on 31 August that it had gazetted the limit on water usage for all areas, including Gauteng municipalities, which receive their water supply from the Vaal River, which is currently only less than 40% full.
Municipalities have been instructed to reduce water usage by at least 15% and implement restrictions to achieve this.
The City of Joburg was the first municipality to announce measures it would be implementing as per the above directive, among them the raising of monthly tariffs for high consumers.
As of last week Tuesday, Ekurhuleni already began reducing water pressure in its systems.
“Residents may already have experienced low water pressure as a result of pressure management, initiated by the City since Tuesday. This means that upper floors may experience situations of very little or no water,” the city said in a statement.
It has also prioritised repairing ageing water infrastructure to reduce the occurrence of leaks in its systems.
“Residents and business are also urged to use water sparingly and refrain from any irrigation activities from 6am – 6pm. No filling of swimming pools from the municipal water supply, and no using hosepipes and sprinklers,” it added.
Earlier this year, Ekurhuleni lifted the ban on watering gardens and filling of swimming pools during the day, due to rising resevoir water levels.
“Fines will be issued, in terms of the municipal bylaws, to those who contravene the restrictions. Zero tolerance of illegal connections will be tolerated. Additional water restrictions and punitive tariffs will be communicated,” the city concluded.
Residents have been urged to report water issues to the call center on 086 054 3000, SMS details to 30788 or via the city’s call centre Twitter handle @EMM_Call_Centre.
[Image – CC gratisography]
