Despite residents heeding the call from the City of Ekurhuleni to use water sparingly, community members are urged to reduce water consumption even further.
On August 12 last year, the city urged residents and businesses to reduce their water consumption by 15 percent in order to save water.
According to Mr Themba Gadebe, the spokesperson and senior media manager for the City of Ekurhuleni, despite some water being saved the in the past three months the 15 percent target was only met for two weeks.
In order to meet the 15 percent reduction the city needs to consume a maximum of 842 kilolitres (842000 litres) of water per month.
“On January 31 the Vaal Dam was measured to be at 63.5 percent capacity. With winter approaching, the dam needs to be at 80 percent to ensure that cities have sufficient water,” said Mr Gadebe.
Mr Gadedbe reminded community members that the water restrictions are still in place and will only be reviewed in May this year.
Mr Gadebe said the restrictions in place include not using hosepipes and no watering of gardens between 6am and 6pm.
Residents are urged to repair any private water leaks and report municipal leaks or burst municipal pipes to 0860 543 000.
Mr Gadebe said the city will continue using the water rationing schedule.
“Residents and business are urged to continue using water sparingly. We must make it a culture to save water and adhere to the restrictions,” said Mr Gadebe.
The water rationing schedule can be downloaded at https://www.ekurhuleni.gov.za/2874-water-restrictions-schedule-october-2016