The city reverts to Level 1 water restrictions which are in place annually from September to March

Joburg Water urges residents to adhere to restrictions despite Rand Water lifting sanctions.

November 8, 2022

Emily Wellman Bain 2 minutes read

Level 1 water restrictions are currently in place in Johannesburg.

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. She added, “Reduced consumption and leak repairs will be the new [focus].”

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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 6am to 6pm and prohibiting its use for cleaning paved areas, cars, driveways and filling up swimming pools (between 6am and 6pm).

Mopeli said this was to ensure that water systems were kept stable throughout the coming months.

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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.”

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She added Joburg Water had replaced 100km of water pipes and 69.5km of sewer pipes from April to June this year.

The Northcliff Melville Times will continue to monitor the situation and report any new developments as they arise. It is also unclear at this stage if any developments in the city council will affect the planned maintenance of ageing infrastructure and upgrades.

ALSO READ: Joburg Water infrastructure upgrades to cost R326m

Residents are urged to report all burst pipes, leaking water meters and open fire hydrants via the following channels: