R’fontein in level 1 of water crisis
Rand Water about toilets: If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down'
South Africa has been brought to its knees in the current water crisis but Randfontein has not been hit as hard yet.
Tshidiso Tlharipe, spokesperson for the Randfontein Local Municipality confirmed that Randfontein is affected by the crisis and stated the town is currently in level 1 of water restrictions. Level 1 means residents must use water sparingly.
In Gauteng, Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekhuruleni have been under water restrictions. School children in parts of Gauteng have been sent home as a result of the water restrictions.
The water crisis and drought the country is currently experiencing is the worst in 23 years. The last big drought was in 1992.
Rand Water has issued ways in which to lessen water consumption:
• Close taps when brushing teeth and shaving
• Use waterless car wash
• Sweep paving instead of hosing it down
• Use mulch in the garden – it reduces 70 per cent of water consumption
• Scale down on your shower time
• Bathe in less water (less than 20cm)
• Check your home for leaks and fix them
• Do not water your garden. If absolutely necessary, water between 7am and 9am and 4pm and 8pm
• Report municipal water leaks
• Flush a number 2 and not a number 1
• Turn off urinals that run continuously
According to water expert, Dr Anthony Turton in a damming article about the water crisis, the water disaster could have been avoided. Turton claims the water shortage is as a result of external factors as well as being an induced one.
It stems from a lack of strategic planning, a loss of skills to transformation and the fact that poorly functioning waste water treatment plants are spewing close to 4 billion litres of untreated or partially treated sewage into the country’s damns and rivers every day.”
Ironically, Rand Water customers are being told, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down,” when one of the issues around water in the country is waste water treatment.
Randfontein is a perfect example of burst pipes, sewage leaks and pollution. Prior to the water crisis, the town, particularly Greenhills and Elandsvlei were plagued with sewage stink for weeks.
Should you experience any water related issues in Randfontein please tweet us @RfonteinHerald and use the hashtag #RfonteinWaterCrisis or Instagram us on the Randfontein Herald #Teinstagram @rfonteinherald with the same hashtag.
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