Metro applies Level 1 restrictions to save water
According to Tshwane, failure to abide by these restrictions will lead to higher restrictions, which will have financial implications for consumers due to associated changes in water tariffs, and might also result in water supply interruptions.
The Tshwane metro will enforce Level 1 water restrictions from Wednesday, October 2.
According to Tshwane Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the restrictions are in place to help save Tshwane’s reservoirs from drying up.
Mashigo said as one of the highest water-consuming metros in Gauteng, Tshwane is facing significant challenges to preventing its reservoirs from running dry.
He added that Rand Water pumps 80 million litres per day to Tshwane, which is 18% more than the city’s permitted limit.
“Despite this over-the-limit water intake, the city is experiencing challenges with some of its reservoirs, due to the high level of consumption by Tshwane residents,” said Mashigo.
Mashigo urged locals and business to conserve water to avoid shortages and disruptions.
He said Tshwane is facing a water crisis due to a significant surge in water consumption by both households and businesses over the past few weeks.
Mashigo added that this has led to a drastic drop in Tshwane’s reservoir storage capacity, prompting the National Department of Water and Sanitation to order municipalities in Gauteng to enforce stricter water restrictions.
“Residents are further reminded that the Level 1 water restrictions that were imposed previously in line with the Water Supply By-laws, were never withdrawn and, are therefore still applicable,” he said.
He said there would be fines or disconnections to the water supply if customers do not adhere to the water restrictions.
“The level at which our customers are consuming, water restrictions are inevitable and are the only viable option to save the city’s distribution network from collapsing,” added Mashigo.
“It must be emphasised that if the current consumer consumption behaviour does not change, the city might have to adjust the water restrictions to Level 2 or higher.”
He explained that Level 2 restrictions will have financial implications for consumers due to associated changes in water tariffs, and might also result in water supply interruptions.
Mashigo encouraged ratepayers to follow the following specific Level 1 water restrictions:
– No watering or irrigation of gardens with a hosepipe or sprinkler system between 06:00 and 18:00.
– Don’t use a hosepipe to clean driveways or patios.
– No washing of vehicles with a hosepipe.
– No filling or top-up of swimming pools or water features.
“Tshwane urges all residents to make a concerted effort to reduce water usage by adhering to the water restrictions. Punitive measures will be imposed against transgressors.”
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