The City of Ekurhuleni wishes to caution customers that load-shedding may impact water supply in some areas.
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.
ALSO READ: Driving in the dark: loadshedding tips
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 in that will 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.
ALSO READ: Tips how to cope with loadshedding
Water-saving tips
• Limit watering of gardens. Only water in the early evening and early morning.
• Take short showers instead of a bath.
• Use a bucket to wash cars, not a hosepipe.
• Re-use water as much as possible. Water from washing clothes and washing fruits and vegetables are typical examples.
• Immediately fix water leaks and report municipal burst 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 swimming pools by covering them when not in use.
