With the assistance of Metro police, Johannesburg Water is determined to curb excessive water usage and is already dealing harshly with residents who do not adhere to the imposed Level 2 water restrictions in the city.
As at 4 October, Metro police issued a total of 139 notices, 41 citations and 52 fines to residents found not adhering to the City’s water restrictions.
Tidimalo Chuene of Johannesburg Water said many of the offences were picked up after tip-offs were received from community members.
The enforcement of Section 44 (3) of the Water Services Bylaw followed an announcement of more water restriction measures and related tariffs made by the City of Johannesburg on 5 September.
This was in response to a notice by the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation to have the city reduce its water usage by 15 per cent with immediate effect due to the water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System, which dropped below the threshold level of 60 per cent.
Johannesburg Water has since received 15 per cent less water from its bulk supplier, Rand Water.
Chuene highlighted that reservoir levels across the city are stable after the 15 per cent restriction on their inflows and added that there have not been any problems regarding storage.
She noted that domestic consumption has gone down by an average of 3.5 per cent since 5 September. This as a result of the restriction of supply by throttling the system, and water restriction tariffs combined with the enforcement. This is not a good picture as it is way below the required reduction of 15 per cent.
Dam levels are still very low at the Integrated Vaal River System and residents are urged to remain considerate of the current water restrictions.
“Johannesburg Water thanks all residents and visitors to the city who have heeded the call to save water, however, we need to do more to avert a looming water supply shortage,” Chuene said.
Residents are urged to continue reporting non-compliance by phoning the Metro police’s 24/7 line on 011 758 9650.
Read: Complexes and water restrictions: All you need to know
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Details: www.johannesburgwater.co.za; Twitter @jhbwater; Facebook: Johannesburg Water.
