Ekurhuleni implements water-rationing measures to save water
Penalties levied during the month of October amount to R1.7 million.
With residents only averaging a saving rate of 3.5 per cent, instead of the required 15 per cent, Ekurhuleni has started with water-rationing measures in an effort to save water.
The City has no choice but to take this drastic step as voluntary water-saving measures by residents were not reached.
Recent rains have not significantly improved water levels. The country needs good rainfall for an extended period to come out of the drought of recent years.
Water-rationing measures will initially be implemented from 21:00 to 05:00 every night starting from Monday, from November 7.
Areas will be restricted on the following days:
Alberton, Eden Park and Greenfields will be rationed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 21:00 to 05:00. (The complete list is available on EMM’s website).
This means that there will be no water during this period in the affected areas. If these measures do not achieve the required 15 per cent, the City will ration water during the day as well. Ekurhuleni announced water restrictions in September 2016 and further said it would start levying penalties for excessive water consumption starting from October.
In terms of the restrictions, businesses were required to reduce their water consumption by 15 per cent of their average annual consumption and households not to exceed 25kl consumption per month.
So far, about 3 000 business units and 41 000 households have exceeded their allocated water usage. Penalties levied during the month of October amount to R1.7 million.
The City urges residents to continue adhering to water restrictions and implement water-saving measures.
Restrictions include no watering of gardens during the day, no use of hosepipes and no filling of swimming pools. Water-saving measures include fixing of leaking pipes, taking five-minute showers instead of using a bathtub and using a cup to brush teeth. More water-saving tips can be found on the Ekurhuleni website, www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.
Residents are encouraged to report any water leakages or pipe bursts to the call centre on 0860 543 000. The City is improving measures to respond timeously to water loss in public areas.
For any enquiries pertaining to water rationing, restrictions and to report individuals who continue to disregard the current interventions, members of the public may use the following email: savewater@ekurhuleni.gov.za
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