Hydro-rationing: Don’t test the waters
Clr Jacques Meiring (Ward 27) is urging residents not to open their taps when water rationing is in place.
The metro announced that water would be rationed in Ekurhuleni starting from Monday, November 7.
A schedule indicated when each area’s water supply would be closed off from 9pm till 5am, for three non-consecutive nights per week.
Several residents said, on November 8 and 10, that their water pressure was normal the previous nights, despite what the schedule stated.
Meiring said the reason for this is that water remains in the pipes and water towers after the supply is closed, meaning the impact is not immediately seen when opening taps after 9pm.
He did warn, however, that the water which remains in the pipes and the pressure created by the towers being full, is crucial to preventing damage to the infrastructure.
“People should not open their taps during times of scheduled water rationing for their area, as this might drain the system or cause an airlock that can drastically influence the restoration time,” he said.
“When the water is opened again the following morning, people have to wait for normal pressure to return, because the pipes have to be filled up again, which would not be the case if no taps had been opened.”
He said people should keep at least 25l of water in bottles at all times, to use during times of scheduled water rationing, instead of using taps.
The metro had not responded to questions at the time of going to print.
Also read:
Rynfield water leak leads to frustration
Damage is in the pipeline with rationing
Metro implements water rationing measures to save water
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
