Rand Water implements Stage 2 water supply restrictions for Joburg

RECENTLY, as residents of Johannesburg have been exposed to heatwaves and late rainfall, Johannesburg Water has seen an increase in water usage at an alarming rate.

This is of serious concern and impacts on the capacity to supply water at an optimum level.

Over the past couple of years, the demand was on average 1 553 Ml/day. This is not ideal, but can be sustained.

However, a drastic increase to 1 684 Ml/day has recently been recorded likely due to heatwaves and late rainfall. This is well over the licensed allocation as well as the historical water demand. This is simply not sustainable and will cause water supply interruptions.

Mainly due to high demand and consumption, Rand Water, the bulk water supplier, has implemented Stage 2 water supply restrictions in the City of Johannesburg.

The City’s licensed water allocation is 1 322 Ml/day from Rand Water. Areas identified with high water demand include Midrand, Johannesburg Central and South, Soweto, Orange Farm, Ennerdale, and Lenasia. Although not the highest consumers, residents in areas like Sandton, Roodepoort and Randburg should also reduce their demand to help overall demand reduction and create stability in the bulk supply system.

Johannesburg Water is regulating reservoirs at the rate of 20 to 40 per cent in line with restrictions by Rand Water. It’s all hands on deck to ensure consumption is reduced in order to protect the infrastructure.

MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services councillor Nico de Jager said: “I would like to remind City of Johannesburg residents that level 1 water restrictions are still in place and urge all to reduce their water consumption patterns by following the following simple steps.”

• Reduce the frequency of garden irrigation drastically, especially now that the system is still vulnerable.

• Refrain from garden irrigation during the day (6am to 6pm) as this is a by-law contravention.

• Refrain from hosing down paved areas.