To make matters worse the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel system has been shut down from October 1 until November 30.
The system needs to be drained for maintenance and inspection purposes. This will make water transfers into the Vaal River System temporarily impossible.
Residents are advised not to water their gardens from 06:00 to 18:00 daily and consumers are prohibited from using a hose-pipe to clean paved areas and driveways with municipal water.
“Residents should take heed of the drought situation the Western Cape found themselves in recently,” Gauteng Weather warned in a statement.
The Vaal Dam is currently sitting below 55% with the actual percentage reaching only 54.87%. The dip has caused the province to find ways of conserving water
The restriction meant residents weren’t allowed to wash paved areas or driveways using a hosepipe. To try and conserve water people are also requested to not water their gardens from 6:00 to 18:00.
The dam is a major contributor to part of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS). It is also the water supply to Gauteng industries that include Sasol and Eskom amongst others.
In order to churn out electricity, Eskom needs a continuous supply of water from the dam. If residents do not adhere to the plea to conserve water usage, the power utility could face more problems.
The last time the Gauteng province was gripped in drought was in 2016. The Gauteng area hasn’t seen rain for a while and if the restriction is to be lifted, some major showers need to come our way.
South Africa is a water-scarce country and Gauteng Weather reminded residents to conserve water by practicing the following water-saving tips:
* do not leave taps dripping;
* wash your car on the grass, this will water your lawn at the same time;
* use a watering can instead of a hosepipe;
* shorten your showering time;
* use a glass of water to rinse when brushing your teeth;
* take shallow baths. Avoid filling your bath to a depth greater than 100mm and
* re-use water to water your garden or pot plants.
Ekurhuleni residents must report water leaks to the 24-hour services call centre on 086 054 3000 and Lesedi resident must report it to Service Delivery Complaints on 016 341 3116 or 341 4327.
