Water restrictions looming for Johannesburg
Residents are urged to save water to avoid heavy restrictions.
A press release issued by newly elected MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Anthony Still has mentioned that water restrictions will soon be taking effect in Johannesburg.
Still wrote that water consumption in Johannesburg needed to be reduced by 15% to ensure the reservoirs do not run dry.
“Rand Water will be reducing their supply to Johannesburg Water by 15% as a result.
“The Water levels in the integrated Vaal river system have dropped below the threshold level of 60%.
“The Vaal River itself is at 33.2% and this is due to the ongoing drought,” said Still.
Existing level 2 restrictions were implemented since November last year.
Users are compelled not to water their gardens between 06:00 and 18:00. Previously sprinkler systems were allowed outside of this window however, Johannesburg Water said that from Wednesday no sprinkler systems are allowed.
Only hose pipes, buckets and water cans may be used to water gardens.
No hose pipes may be used to wash cars and clean pavements. Swimming pools may also not be filled by using municipal water; only borehole water may be used for that.
According to Johannesburg Water, 40% of water used in Gauteng is for gardening. Therefore they believe that if people comply with the restrictions, water usage could easily be reduced
“The restrictions are only in place while the drought is ongoing.
“Should Gauteng receive good rainfall, the restrictions will be suspended,” said Still.
New water restriction tariffs will also become effective.
The restriction tariffs are imposed as follows:
- 10% extra on consumption of between 20 000 litres and 30 000 litres/month.
- 20% extra on consumption of between 30 000 and 40 000 litres/month.
A 30% increase will be implemented for consumption above 40 000 litres/month.
