Heeding the National Department of Water and Sanitation’s call, the metro is implementing measures to curb water consumption by 15%.
Water boards and municipalities were instructed to cut down on abstraction of water from the Integrated Vaal River System by a notice published in the Government Gazette dated August 12.
“This is due to prolonged drought conditions over the past few years that have put the system under severe pressure,” says Themba Gadebe, spokesman for the metro.
He adds that residents throughout the metro may have already started experiencing low water pressure as a result of pressure management since last Tuesday.
Due to this, upper floors may experience times with very little to no water supply.
“We assure residents that all water reduction measures will be implemented in a responsible manner,” says Gadebe.
The metro has increased capacity to respond to complaints laid by the public.
The community is requested to contact the metro’s call centre on 086 054 3000 to report a water leak.
Residents and businesses are reminded to use water sparingly.
Irrigation activities between 6am and 6pm are not permitted.
Filling of swimming pools or the use of hosepipes and sprinklers for watering gardens, washing cars or cleaning outdoor areas will not be tolerated and the metro will issue fines for those found to contravene these restrictions.
“The metro will further apply zero tolerance to any illegal connection of water,” Gadebe adds.
“We will soon announce additional water restrictions as well as the punitive tariff that will be applied.”
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting water service related interruptions through the call centre as well as social media channels @EMM_Call_Centre and the City of Ekurhuleni’s Facebook page.
