Fines expected due to water rationing
Farrarmere resident Bruce Robinson will have a huge water bill to pay if his water meter does not stop running wild.
Robinson noticed that when the water is turned back on after rationing, the meter reading increases even though there is no water being used.
The resident believes the air pressure build-up in the pipes is causing his meter to run and he thinks more residents might be experiencing a similar problem.
After the water rations began, he started to record the amount of water he was using daily with every water-consuming activity that was done in his household.
He then noticed that readings would stick out like a sore thumb after the water was turned back on.
“On Thursday morning (November 17) after the water was turned on there was 2 000 litres measured between 6.15 am and 7.15 am by the meter which we did not utilise,” he said.
“I heard what sounded like an electrical motor and saw that it was my water meter going, but there was not a lot of water coming out, just mainly air.”
“I am worried that I have to pay a hefty fine for water I did not use,” the concerned resident said.
Ward 28 councillor Malanie Haggard said she hadn’t yet received complaints about water meters specifically but is dealing with many complaints of burst pipes and people not having water on days that aren’t scheduled for water rationing.
“It is important that residents check their water meters regularly and keep record of what it reads by way of photos and not just writing it,” the councillor said.
Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe said similar complaints were received during last year’s water interruption in some areas of Ekurhuleni but that investigation proved consumption amounts were not affected.
When asked what the possible reason for the problem is, Gadebe said: “The air in the water networks are released through air valves and hydrants when lines are recharged but some air still finds its way through the meters.”
“It is not really affecting meter readings but if consumers close their internal valves until water lines are fully charged (two to three hours after opening) it will limit the effect,” the spokesperson said.
Also read:
Nearly half of Benoni left dry
Lakes and ‘fire pools’ to save Benoni during rationing
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