The project, called Quantum Leap, has started in Germiston and will endeavour to have replaced all Ekurhuleni’s old water pipes within the next five years.
This is according to Clr Tiisetso Nketle, member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for water and sanitation.
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“Until that time we are using pressure management, to relieve the pressure on pipes which cannot handle it,” she says.
“More staff has been placed on standby and we will increase overtime work, to minimise the turnaround time for response to water leaks and burst pipes.
“Council’s resolution with the water restrictions, is to respond to water leaks within six hours of the report being made.”
Nketle explains this doesn’t mean the leak will be repaired within that time, but a team will be on site and the water supply to the pipe will be closed, to prevent further loss.
While aging pipes will be replaced, many other pipes might also be upgraded if there is a high demand on them, Nketle adds.
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Regarding the 30% loss of water through leaks, Themba Gadebe, metro spokesman, says: “The Water and Sanitation Department has a comprehensive plan to reduce water losses to below 20% by June 2023.”
“The implementation of the plan has seen the consistent reduction in water losses over the last three financial years, from 33.9% in the 2013/2014 financial year to 30.6% in the 2015/2016 financial year.”
Nketle explains that, among other issues, one of the dangers to water pipes is trapped air, which can increase the risk of the pipes bursting.
“To counter this, fire hydrants connected to the relevant pipes will sometimes be opened, to bleed out the air,” she says.
“This is accompanied by a loss of water, but more might be lost if the trapped air is left and causes a pipe to burst.”
Nketle says the metro also has a programme to replace old water meters with more reliable and accurate models.
To report water leaks or burst pipes, contact the municipal call centre on 086 054 3000, or via email at savewater@ekurhuleni.gov.za or SMS to 30788.
