Ekurhuleni mayor urges residents to use water sparingly

Outgoing Ekurhuleni executive mayor councillor Mzwandile Masina urges Ekurhuleni residents to be cautious of the seriousness of water shortages as a result of high temperatures and low rainfall.

This has resulted in Rand Water, which supplies the City with water, imposing restrictions to curb water demands and ensure security of the water supply. The mayor addressed council on October 31.

During his address, Masina said: “South Africa is placed high on the list of countries most expected to experience water stress, according to Global Water Stress Surveys. As the manufacturing hub of the country, it is crucial that we secure a reliable supply of water at an acceptable quantity and quality for future development.”

He said that can only be done through an effort to implement water conservation and demand management measures.

Though the low supply of water is mostly recognised due to climate change, residents and businesses are advised to change their water-use patterns to preserve water.

The City advises industries to amend their operational plans during this time of restrictions. For instance, the bulk of water-intensive activities may be conducted at night when there is less demand on the supply.

Attention is drawn to sections 13 and 14 of the Water Services by-laws which encourage consumers who have a need for a consistent water supply to have the necessary infrastructure to carry them through such periods.

Activities such as watering gardens and washing cars with fresh water are highly discouraged at this time. It is recommended that usage of tap water should be limited to basic needs.

Residents can report water leaks at their nearest Customer Care Centre, Water and Sanitation depot, call the City’s call centre at 0860 54 3000 or use the My Ekurhuleni App.

Follow these water-saving tips to reduce your consumption and therefore preserve the available water resources:

• Turn the tap o­ff between washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving.

• When taking a bath, do not fill the bath to the top or rather take a 90-second shower.

• Use low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilet mechanisms and water-efficient washing machines.

• Fix leaking toilets; avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily by disposing of tissues, insects and other waste in the trash rather than in the toilet.

• Do not excessively backwash your swimming pool.

• Use a bucket rather than a hosepipe to wash your car and to water the garden.