Water-shedding may escalate your water bill….
It is not clear if affected residents would qualify for compensation or have a credit passed on their account due to higher meter readings caused by the water cuts.
Water-shedding can lead to higher than normal water meter readings as the air pushing through the system causes the meter mechanism to turn.
Nomonde Nzimakwe, of Umzinyathi District Municipality, was reacting to queries from readers who believe that their meter readings and water consumption had rocketed since water-shedding was introduced some months ago.
“Please be aware that when we close or choke the system when applying water-shedding that the water in the high-lying areas subsides to lower areas thus pulling air into the pipes via the house connections.
“When the water returns when we open the water, it then pushes the air to the high-lying areas to exit from where it entered the system.
“This action can affect meters on the high-lying areas which can result in higher readings due to the air turning the mechanism in the water meter causing an inflated reading.
“Where the pipe work stays full of water in the lower areas, irrespective of the pressure in the system, it won’t have an effect on the water meters.
“It will be the higher areas that are affected.
“To rectify this situation, we are considering installing air valves on the reticulation on the high-lying areas which will assist in removing some of the air when we open water.
“All consumers are urged to use water sparingly as the situation is very serious.
“Please cooperate by reporting all leaks and bursts to save water on 034 212 2222 or 086 167 8883. Be water wise and remember, “water is life, conserve it and respect it.”
It is not clear if affected residents would qualify for compensation or have a credit passed on their account due to higher meter readings caused by the water cuts.
