Municipality unpacks persistent water-supply interruptions

“Water supply challenges will remain for the duration of electricity load-shedding.”

This was one of several conclusions made by Mogale City Water Services Manager Duncan Mkhonto as he fully unpacked the persistent water-supply interruptions all over town.

Also read: Smooth water? No water!

Responding to the News’ questions and with residents growing angrier and more frustrated by the day, Mkhonto said in a statement issued on Monday afternoon, October 3 that from the ongoing investigative work done alongside Rand Water it can be concluded that the water supply problems experienced since the end of August were mainly as a result of limited pumping capacity from the Rand Water Eikenhof pump station.

“Eskom’s load-shedding also directly contributed to the situation and with extreme, warmer weather conditions we are seeing higher water consumption as well.

“After weeks of water supply interruptions due to the Rand Water reservoir in Krugersdorp not being able to fill up to required levels caused by load-shedding, Mogale City’s Water Services and our bulk water supplier Rand Water are working around the clock towards full water restoration.

Also read: Water restored! Residents can now take that long-awaited shower

“Around September 26, the Krugersdorp Rand Water Depo Bulk Water Storage Reservoirs started showing signs of capacity and level improvement with levels above 60%, pressure head build-up and sufficient supply to overcome the head difference between Rand Water reservoir and Munsieville and Dan Pienaar reservoirs, resulting in water entering the two reservoirs.

“It should be emphasised that although the significantly affected areas were Munsieville and Dan Pienaar, other areas supplied by Kenmare and Rangeview reservoirs also were starting to be affected.

“Although full water supply was restored on September 27 in all other areas, it continued to be on and off, up until to date due to the ongoing effects of load-shedding, which also affects the Rand Water Treatment Production Capacity, Rand Water Reservoirs Storage Levels and Pumping Capacity, as well as Mogale City Bulk Water Storage Supply reservoirs.”

Asked when exactly residents can expect water to be fully restored, Mkhonto replied, “Within the next few days”.

Also read: Mogale water crisis: Munsieville reservoir is receiving water – at last

“Water supply is restored in various areas of the municipality, including those which were affected; however, with the ongoing effects of load-shedding on the Rand Water Treatment System and Rand Water Bulk Pumping Station, the Water Storage levels at Rand Water Krugersdorp Depo remain unstable and continue to fluctuate.

“This subsequently continues to highly affect various areas in Krugersdorp, Munsieville and Dan Pienaarville followed by Kagiso, Magaliesberg, Rangeview, Noordheuwel and Monument which are fed by the Kagiso, Magaliesberg and Kenmare reservoirs.”

To date, the Municipality has implemented various actions, including the following:

• Although very costly, the ongoing supply of water through tanker services are being undertaken

• Mogale City through Utility Management Services is always engaging and working on the situation with Rand Water in an attempt to find solutions

• Rand Water confirmed various challenges experienced in their water treatment systems and pumping capacity, among them power failure at various pumping stations, such as Eikenhof and Roodepoort

• Rand Water’s assistance has been sought to improve internal water supply and reticulation

Also read: LETTER: Water crisis in Gauteng: ‘Eskom to blame’

• The Executive Mayor appealed to Eskom directly to allow City Power to isolate the Roodepoort Rand Water pump station from load-shedding, functioning uninterrupted and in so doing allow sufficient water to be pumped to fill the Krugersdorp reservoirs, enabling water supply to the affected areas

• The mayor engaged the affected community members of Munsieville, Dan Pienaarville and other areas to communicate the challenges, causes and action plan

• Various statements communicating the situation to the community, various stakeholders and shareholders have been issued

• Media statements requesting community to use water sparingly have been released