Rand Water, the bulk supplier of water to Joburg Water, announced recently that it was lifting Level 2 water restrictions following reservoir levels increasing to 60%.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said, “Stabilisation of the systems, assisted by good rains, has been a joint collaborative effort by Rand Water and efforts by the City of Johannesburg.”
These efforts included reduced consumption by users and better management of water systems following the recent water crisis. “Reduced consumption and leak repairs will be the new [focus].”
Joburg Water spokesperson Puleng Mopeli said they hoped residents would ‘continue reducing consumption and observe Level 1 restrictions which are implemented annually from September to March’.
This means the continued ban on using a hosepipe between 06:00 to 18:00 and prohibiting its use for cleaning paved areas, cars, driveways and filling up swimming pools (between 06:00 to 18:00).
Mopeli said this was to ensure that water systems were kept stable throughout the coming months.
Ward 87 councillor Bridget Steer said, “The easing of restrictions is welcomed but Rand Water’s statement does not make sense as residents were originally blamed for using excess water along with higher temperatures and power outages for some of the crisis. I do not believe this was the case. I believe they used Level 2 restrictions to increase their treated water reserves.”
“Having said that, I encourage residents to observe Level 1 restrictions which were already in place.”
On October 31 this year, City of Joburg Executive Mayor Mpho Phalatse said, “R930 million has been invested in water supply and sewer infrastructure. We have already started the project of replacing asbestos pipes in the greater Fourways area, and started the upgrade of the Brixton and Crosby reservoirs.”
She added Joburg Water had replaced 100km of water pipes and 69.5km of sewer pipes from April to June this year.
Residents are urged to report all burst pipes, leaking water meters and open fire hydrants via the following channels:
- 24-hour hotline: 011 688 1699 or 086 056 2874
- SMS line: 076 333 5052
- Email: customer@jwater.co.za
- Twitter: @JHBWater
- Facebook: Johannesburg Water.
Residents are also urged to report any vandalism or theft of water infrastructure to 0800 00 25 87.
Related Article:
Water woes outrage residents as restrictions are implemented
