As a result of the low water level of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is required by the department of water and sanitation to impose water restrictions.
Since the announcement of water restrictions, the DA has come out in support of the department’s decision.
According to the DA’s spokesperson for water and sanitation in Ekurhuleni, Clr Derek Thomson, the water restrictions aim to reduce water usage by 15 percent and are to be effective immediately.
Clr Thomson said because the IVRS is currently under 60 percent and the Vaal Dam is under 30 percent water capacity, the water restrictions were put in place.
“According to the Government Gazette notice, published on August 12, water boards and municipalities were instructed to limit the extraction of water from the IVRS to 15 percent for urban water use and 20 percent for irrigation water use,” said Clr Thomson.
Clr Thomson said the DA supports the water restrictions imposed by the metro, as well as the water reduction measures implemented, and urges all residents to adhere to these restrictions and to adapt and reduce daily water use accordingly.
“The metro has made a promise to repair and replace all aged water infrastructure with utmost urgency,” said Clr Thomson.
In addition, the metro has barred all residents and businesses from any irrigation activities between the hours of 6am to 6pm.
Residents are also not allowed to fill swimming pools with municipal water, use hosepipes and sprinklers, wash cars or clean outdoor areas.
“Penalty fees have been implemented in terms of municipal bylaws to fine those who contravene these restrictions,” said Clr Thomson.
He said borehole water may be used sparingly, however, proper signage should be visible outside the household indicating use.
Clr Thomson said residents can make use of the following methods to reduce water:
- Â Install a water saving showerhead.
- Â Limit your showering time to five minutes.
- Â Only wash full loads in your washing machine and where possible, use the washing machine in eco-mode.
- Â Fix leaking toilets, faucets and pipes.
-  Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth and washing your hands.
- Â Take used ice cubes and put them in your pot plants instead of throwing them away.
- Â Thaw food in the fridge or microwave instead of using running water.
- Â Read and take a photo with your cellular phone of your water meter weekly to see if your household consumption is going down.
- Â If you are irrigating after 6pm, reduce your watering time by 50 percent.
“Residents also have a major role to play in reporting water issues and related transgressions from residents and businesses,” said Clr Thompson.
Clr Thomson said in light of the fines to be imposed by the EMM, the DA will be aware and increase its vigilance in connection to the use of water.
“Every drop counts, use water sparingly,” said Clr Thomson.
Watch: Ekurhuleni MMC talks about water restrictions
