The week-long water supply woes in parts of Germiston have been blamed on the high consumption of water, due to the warmer temperatures.
“The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality is calling upon its residents to reduce their water consumption, following reports of low water pressure and no water in various parts of the region since Friday,” said Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson Themba Gadebe.
“The areas of Benoni, Brakpan, Tsakane and Germiston have, over the past days, been experiencing low water pressure or no water at all, especially during peak hour demand periods,” said Gadebe.
“The water in the reservoirs has gone below the minimum required levels, due to high demand.
“Our investigation of the situation, at this stage, has revealed that there is extremely high water usage, which could be attributed to the hot weather.
“To stabilise the water situation, all water users are requested to use water sparingly, by stopping all forms of irrigation, washing of vehicles and filling of swimming pools.
“Residents are also urged to report burst pipes and to repair leaks on their properties, to avoid water losses.”
Rand Water media relations manager Justice Mohale, also cited this as one of the causes of the problems.
This is despite him saying, on Wednesday, that a 12-hour power outage was the leading factor.
Mohale said that an electricity outage at the Mapleton Booster Station, contributed to the problem.
He said the 100-minute outage slowed the water distribution from that station, which supplies Brakpan and reservoirs in Benoni with water.
Mohale dispelled talk that two of the four pumps at the Vlakfontein reservoir were not operational.
The metro again apologised for any inconvenience caused through the unplanned water interruption and to assure all consumers that technical maintenance teams from Ekurhuleni are working very hard to ensure that supply is restored.
The GCN continues to try get more clarity on the situation as it progresses.
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That’s right, blame the public, weather for your incompetence, what a disgrace, I demand water, that’s my right!
That is utter nonsense the summer is not even arrived for 4 days and there is a shortage ??? Come on they must come up with the truth !!!! Bad planning of maintaining pumps.