Joburg Water has warned that if Johannesburg residents do not reduce their water consumption, water supply shortages will be a common occurrence in most suburbs.
Some residents are already feeling the crippling effects of the persistent drought currently affecting the country as water levels continue to drop in dams and reservoirs.
Midrand residents appear to be the hardest hit as they had to go for more than 24 hours without water between 29 and 30 October.
Spokesperson for Joburg Water, Tidimalo Chuene, said the lack of water in certain parts of Midrand was due to low water levels at the Grand Central Reservoir.
Chuene explained that the reservoir was struggling to meet the excessive water demand from areas such as Rabie Ridge, Ivory Park, Ebony, Allandale and Umthombo.
She urged all residents to drastically reduce their water usage.
According to Chuene, the City of Johannesburg is still under Level 2 water restrictions, receiving 15 per cent less water from Rand Water. She added that if consumption is not reduced, residents who live in high-lying areas will be affected negatively.
“When water demand is high, suburbs in high-lying areas will experience reduced water pressure, which at times can mean that no water will flow from the taps.”
To avert this situation, Chuene said residents need to be considerate at all times when using water.
“The only solution to the current water shortages is for residents to significantly reduce their consumption immediately. Water conservation is a collective responsibility,” Chuene added.
She also issued the following tips to stay cool without wasting water during a heat wave:
- Wear lightweight clothes
- Stay indoors or under shade
- Stay away from the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Use spray or water bottles to spray your face and not hosepipes
- Place a wet, cold cloth on your neck.
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