Reservoirs run dry as metro attempts to address water interruptions
The residents of Tsakani and Kwa-Thema have been experiencing water interruptions for weeks.Some households have not had running water for more than a month.
The residents of Tsakani and Kwa-Thema have been experiencing water interruptions for weeks. Some households have not had running water for more than a month.
The Ekurhuleni Municipality says it is working on measures to address the issues.
“The City of Ekurhuleni is actively addressing ongoing water supply challenges, particularly in the Tsakane/Geluksdal and Etwatwa/Daveyton areas where low storage levels are affecting supply and pressure.
“To protect the system from cavitation, pumps are temporarily offline until water levels stabilise.
“The Kwa-Thema reservoir is currently empty, and its outlets will remain closed overnight to replenish storage levels,” explains Zweli Dlamini, the metro’s spokesperson.
Dlamini says they are working in close coordination with Rand Water, following their efforts to enhance the RW Mapleton system.
“We are awaiting further updates from Rand Water to ensure an equitable water supply for all residents,” he added.
According to Makenosi Maroo, Rand Water’s spokesperson these are some of the measures implemented:
• Bronberge Reservoir was closed on September 14, to assist Brakpan and Vlakfontein reservoirs. This assisted as reservoir levels increased.
• Vlakfontein Reservoir No. 3 will be commissioned on September 15 to be able to dedicate Mapleton pumping to Brakpan and Mapleton reservoirs.
• A cross connection from Benoni supply was opened on the night of September 14 to boost Brakpan system.
“In the meantime, we are providing alternative water sources to all impacted communities. We urge the community to remain calm during this period as we work diligently to restore consistent water supply to all affected areas,” said Dlamini.
Residents are urged to:
• Avoid watering gardens.
• All public facilities such as airports, filling stations, to reduce flow and number of taps.
• Do not clean paved areas and driveways with clean drinking water.
• Wash your cars only on weekends using buckets.
• Take a two-minute shower instead of using bathtubs.
• Do not leave your tap running when brushing teeth.
• Refrain from filling-up swimming pools until consumption has reduced.
• Fix all leaking plumbing features in your houses.
• Flush toilets only for the brown and not the yellow.
• Report leaking water pipes to your respective municipalities.
