Residents cautioned against spreading rumours about water restrictions

Members of the public are cautioned against spreading misinformation on ongoing water supply interruptions in the City of Ekurhuleni due to restrictions implemented by Rand Water, whose reservoirs had dropped to severely low levels.

This follows messages being spread on social media platforms stating the water restrictions are because of credit control measures being implemented by the bulk water supplier.

“Matters pertaining to water supply and water quality are sensitive for many of our residents and businesses who rely on it for their well-being and livelihoods.

“The provision of water is a constitutional right in the Democratic Republic of South Africa and thus the City endeavours to provide a consistent supply to its citizens,” said MMC for Water, Sanitation and Energy Tiisetso Nketle.

Water supply to the high-lying areas of Germiston, which were the most affected, has been restored, although some may still experience low water pressure.

Other areas that have stabilised include Bedfordview, Daveyton, Tsakani, parts of Thembisa and parts of Kempton Park, Palm Ridge, Vosloorus and Zonkizizwe.

“We are, however, not completely out of the woods, as consumers in parts of Pomona, Bonaero Park, Glen Marais, Spartan and Isando can still experience low pressure to no water.

“Areas supplied from the Chloorkop reservoir such as Phomolong and Friendship Town have no water,” said Nketle.

Elandsfontein, Tunney and Henville are still without water and the supply to Klopperpark is intermittent.

Parts of Etwatwa are also without water; however, this is due to an electricity outage in the area.

Communication sent by Rand water to the City of Ekurhuleni on August 26 stated: “Rand Water’s distribution network is under severe pressure, with water demand consistently exceeding water supply.

“Over the past few days this situation has resulted in very low levels in some of the critical reservoirs within three of our supply systems i.e., Eikenhof, Palmiet and Mapleton.

“Despite several endeavours to implement load-shifting from one system to another, we are still not able to salvage the situation.

“This has necessitated that we invoke our emergency protocol, with immediate effect, to retain the three systems.”

The City, with other municipalities in Gauteng, is engaging with Rand Water to resolve the situation and devise technical solutions to prevent the same from occurring in the future.

Nketle concluded by calling upon water users to play their part by implementing water-saving measures in their own homes and businesses to reduce the demand on the water supply.