Electricity supply interruptions affect water supply

This has already caused supply interruptions in various areas in the City where the recent prolonged and high frequency of interruptions affected pump stations.

This has resulted in a decreased flow of water to high-lying areas.

How does an interruption in electricity supply impact water supply?

At the reservoirs, some pumps push water up into a tower, which then provides enough pressure to feed the water supply network (especially in high-lying areas).

The pipelines in the network deliver this water to the taps at homes or business entities.

The pumps require electricity to work. In the event of an electricity outage that is longer than four hours, generators kick into power the pump station.

If the load-shedding period, power outage or remedial work being done lasts for an extended period, power supply from the generators ceases and the pumps stop working.

Where there is no generator, the water stored in the tower may run out even quicker. At first, the pressure drops and water starts to trickle out slowly until the water in the system diminishes, resulting in no water at all from the taps.

In that way, there is a correlation between water and electricity supply.

The City appeals to its residents and businesses to use water sparingly.

Consumers are encouraged to do the following to use water sparingly:

• Limit watering of gardens, such as watering them only in the early evening and early morning

• Take short showers instead of a bath

• Use a bucket to wash cars, not hosepipes

• Reuse water as much as possible. Water from washing clothes and washing fruits and vegetables are typical examples

• Immediately fix water leaks and report burst municipal pipes

• When washing hands, do not let the water run as you rub the hands for 20 seconds. Remember to keep the tap turned off

• Do everything possible to minimise water evaporation including from the swimming pools by covering them when not in use.