Looming water restrictions by Rand Water during high demand season Residents urged to save more water
Customers are also reminded to make plans to harvest rainwater which may be used for all other household needs except for drinking and cooking.
With the summer season characterised by high demand for water and dwindling dam levels looming, residents are reminded that saving water is critical.
Compounding this reminder is the fact that Rand Water (RW), the suppliers of water in Ekurhuleni, have communicated plans to curb water demand from August until January 2021.
“Various stages and levels of restrictions will be imposed on the bulk supply meters of Rand Water, in agreement with the municipal customers,” reads a letter from the Rand Water addressed to the City.
According to the letter, Rand Water intends for water consumption to stay within the licence target level and that means an overall reduction of eight per cent by municipalities.
“Customers are encouraged to do everything in their power to save water at this time. Such actions include ensuring that no water goes to waste and that efforts to reuse water are applied,” said Themba Gadebe, metro spokesperson.
“Customers are also reminded to make plans to harvest rainwater which may be used for all other household needs except for drinking and cooking.”
Easy tips to save water
The City of Ekurhuleni are urging residents to work frugally with water.
In a press release from the municipality, it was mentioned that saving water is crucial and that Rand Water intends to have water consumption staying within the licence target level and that means an overall reduction of eight per cent by municipalities.
Here are some tips on how to help conserve water at your home:
In the bathroom
• Turn-off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving or washing your hands. Recent studies state that you can save up to 20 litres of water per month by simply closing the tap when brushing your teeth.
• Flush toilets only when necessary.
• Take shorter showers and reduce the amount of water used for your baths.
• Try to insulate hot water pipes so that water is not wasted while waiting for it to get hot.
• Install an instant water heater at your taps for immediate hot water.
• Bathe young children together.
• Install a low-flow shower-head.
• Try a dual flush mechanism on your toilet.
• Install a geyser blanket for insulation.
• Insulate the copper pipes around the geyser.
In the kitchen
• Install aerators and flow-reducing valves on your taps
• Use a plugged sink to wash dishes instead of a running tap can save you lots of water
• Reuse water! Water used in a plugged sink to wash fruit and vegetables is perfectly fine to water your plants with
• Only switch the dishwasher on when it’s full
• Don’t use running water to defrost food
In the garden
• Store greywater in buckets to help flush toilets, water plants, wash cars, etc
• Collect rainwater to water plants, to use around the house or for washing the car
• Don’t water your garden between 10am and 4pm as the heat during the day evaporates anyway so does little good for plants
• Use a broom instead of a hosepipe when cleaning driveways or patios
• Cover your swimming pool to reduce water evaporation
• Choose local indigenous, drought-resistant and water-wise plants for your home and garden. They are hardier than their imported counterparts and use much less water.
• Group plants together that have the same water requirements
Your Laundry
•Wash towels and bed linen a little less often. This will also save money on electricity and products too
• Match the size of your laundry load with the volume of water being used
Your Car
• Use rainwater to wash the car
• Instead of a hose-pipe, use buckets of water and a sponge to clean your car
• Choose a commercial car wash that recycles water
• Remember to fix all leaking pipes around the house and report public leaks to your Municipality.
*Source: Homemakersonline
