Clr Tiisetso Nketle, member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for water and sanitation, says the prohibition on using hosepipes, irrigation systems, filling swimming pools and watering the garden between 6am and 6pm, also applies to those with boreholes.
“As we are in a drought, we have to save water from any reservoir in order to allow the entire system to recharge,” she says.
Read: Water levels reach crisis levels – water shedding may be implemented
That came after news that the Vaal Dam, which feeds Ekurhuleni, is 27% full and the city has received a ration from Rand Water.
Ekurhuleni’s ration, which should come into effect on October 28, is 828 631kl per day, whereas the city currently uses about 974 860kl per day.
“People are encouraged to have boreholes installed and employ rain harvesting, as they will reduce the pressure on the municipal system,” Nketle says.
Anne-Marie Stuiver, a spokesperson for a local borehole drilling company, says the company has noticed a definite rise in business, since water restrictions were implemented in Ekurhuleni.
The company specialises in the drilling of boreholes, installing irrigation systems, booster pumps and the maintenance of boreholes.
“Prices depend on depth and water yield, but a 60m borehole will cost between R28 000 and R42 000, excluding installation of the pump,” Stuiver says.
“Make sure you make use of a professional driller registered with the Borehole Water Association of Southern Africa.”
Read: ‘Zero tolerance’ and hefty fines for contravening water restrictions
Stuiver adds residents should make sure with the municipality that they are allowed to install a borehole in their area.
“Boreholes for farming must have permission from the department of water affairs and be registered by the department,” she says.
“After that, get a geo-hydrologist to pinpoint the place of drilling and get written quotes from companies; they are normally free of charge.
“Make sure of the quality and experience of the driller and arrange that access to the property is in place.
“If a borehole is installed properly, adhering to the department of water affairs’ specifications, it should last for many years – except if lightning hits the pump, though there are protection tools that can be installed.
“Timers or level controls can be installed where water is pumped into storage tanks, so that the pump doesn’t run dry.”
Among the advantages Stuiver lists, is a “substantial” reduction in water bills.
“Borehole water is safe for consumption by humans, though this must be determined by a test of the water quality at the specific borehole,” she adds.
“You should still have a nice green garden, but it still doesn’t mean people may use water irresponsibly, especially in drought times, as boreholes can also dry up.”
