Every drop counts: Use water sparingly
Penalty fees have been implemented in terms of municipal by-laws to fine those who contravene these restrictions.
The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality (EMM) is required by the Department of Water and Sanitation to impose water restrictions, to reduce water usage by 15 per cent with immediate effect.
This comes after water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) dropped below the threshold level of 60 per cent.
The dam is currently sitting at just under 29.4 per cent water capacity and is reaching critical levels as the unseasonal heat and drought continues.
According to the Government Gazette notice, published on Friday, August 12 2016, water boards and municipalities were instructed to limit the extraction of water from the IVRS to 15 per cent for urban water use and 20 per cent for irrigation water use.
The Democratic Alliance (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 .
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 by-laws to fine those who contravene these restrictions.
Borehole water may be used sparingly, however, proper signage should be visible outside household indicating use.
Here are some additional tips, to help you save water:
- Install water saving shower heads and limit your showering time to 5 minutes.
- Only wash full loads in your washing machine and where possible use washing machine in eco mode.
- Fix leaking toilets, faucets and pipes.
- Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth and washing your hands.
- Take used ice cubes and put them in your pot plants instead of throwing them away.
- Thaw food in the fridge or microwave instead of using running water.
- Read and take a photo with your cellphone of your water meter with your phone weekly to see if your household consumption is going down.
- If you are irrigating after 6pm reduce your watering time by 50 per cent.
Residents also have a major role to play in reporting water issues and related transgressions from residents and businesses.
You can report all water issues to the Call Centre on 086 054 300, or SMS details to 30788, or via the City’s call centre Twitter handle @EMM_Call_Centre.
Also read: Is council responsible for your water leak?
SuzelleDIY – How to be water wise, guys
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