“All our fire hydrants are located into the domestic line and yes, they will be affected by water rationing,” said metro spokesperson, Themba Gadebe.
Clr Jacques Meiring (Ward 27) recently said pipes and water towers are left full during water rationing, to protect the system’s integrity, though he warned that residents using water at these times will drain the system.
“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.
“There is an old by-law which requires people to register their boreholes and swimming pools with council.
“This is meant to give fire fighters extra sources during times when fire hydrants are not an option.”
At the time of publishing, the metro had not commented on this by-law or on how fires would be suppressed during water rationing.
William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said DEMS and the department of water will be in constant contact.
“If a fire occurs during water rationing, the department of water will firstly re-open supply to that area, but as the system may take time to refill, they will also provide us with water tankers,” Ntladi said.
“In extreme cases, suction deep lifting from the nearest open water sources around the city will be put in place to shuttle water to the required fire scenes.”
Ntladi said these open water sources include nearby swimming pools and lakes.
“Following [the implementation of] water restriction schedules across the City of Ekurhuleni, DEMS would like residents and industrial and business communities to be extra cautious in the prevention of structural fires,” he added.
“The two departments are in constant consultation and collectively working together to eliminate any potential challenges.
“Fire stations and fire engines have the water restriction schedule on board and on notice boards.”
In case of emergencies, call the DEMS direct line on 011 458 0911, cell phone on 112, or national emergency number on 10177.
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