With temperatures soaring, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has raised the alarm how increased water demand is impacting its water reserves.

“Thembisa and Tsakani’s consumption has resulted in low water storage levels and intermittent supply,” said CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

“We are closely monitoring the city’s entire water network. Interventions will be implemented to stabilise supply to assist communities experiencing intermittent water supply and to safeguard against future interruption of services.

Ward 27 Clr Lorette Joseph warned that rising temperatures could result in wider water supply networks running dry, urging residents to use water sparingly.

“Level 1 water restrictions are currently in place in an effort to safeguard supply systems, as higher than normal temperatures and lower than average rainfall is expected, this summer,” she said.

“The responsibility to conserve our resources rests with every member of the community.”

Level 1 water restrictions prohibits the following:

• Gardens may not be watered or irrigated, using municipal water supplies, between 06:00 and 18:00.
• Municipal water supplies may not be used to wash driveways and pavements.
• The use of hosepipes, connected to municipal infrastructure may not be used to wash vehicles or trucks.
• Swimming pools may not be filled or topped up using drinking water.

Joseph further urged residents to actively report water leaks, burst water pipes and leaking water meters to the CoE Customer Care Centre.

“Anyone is able to report leaks, you do not have to be the owner or resident of the property to do so,” she said.

“Timeous reporting will contribute greatly to ensure that the water network is not negatively affected, ultimately leading to taps running dry.

“Even if the leak is outside your area of residence, supply your ward councillor with the reference number and location of the leak, in order to escalate it to the relevant representative in the area.”

Water leaks can be reported to 0860 543 000 or using the My CoE App.

Alternatively email call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za

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