‘Water cuts burnt out my geyser – twice’

Sir
I just want to know if something could be put in the Courier about the water being shut without any notice to the public.
I am replacing the geyser element for the second time today since the end of March.
Apparently when the water is closed and if you open the cold tap, the hot water will drain out then the geyser burns out.
What about the poor pensioners and people that cannot afford to replace the element every few months? I phoned the water department this morning and asked for the manager and was put through to a gentleman who thought it was a huge joke and was laughing at me saying he also had his element burnt out and he suggested I buy a Jo-Jo tank.
We do have a tank but it costs about R3 500 to fit the pump. I realise we have water shortages but we need to be warned about the shut downs.
Apparently my plumber said we can fit a non-return valve which will prevent it from happening again.
Debbie Taljaard