Ekurhuleni launches campaign to reduce water wastage

The City of Ekurhuleni, in partnership with the Platform for a Water Secure Gauteng, has launched a Responsible Water Use Campaign aimed at promoting water conservation.

The campaign also aims to reduce excessive water consumption and encourage communities to take an active role in protecting the city’s water resources and infrastructure.

The campaign was officially launched on October 21 at Palm Ridge Community Hall in Katlehong. It brought together officials from the city’s Water and Sanitation Business Unit, Rand Water, water sector partners and key stakeholders to engage communities on responsible water consumption and conservation practices.

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The launch marks the beginning of an ongoing city-wide public education and awareness programme, which will extend beyond Katlehong to communities across Ekurhuleni.

As part of the campaign, the city and its partners will conduct daily public education and awareness activities, particularly in identified water consumption hotspots. These engagements will focus on encouraging behavioural change, reducing water wastage and promoting sustainable water use at household and community levels.

Speaking at the launch, MMC for Metro Operations and Maintenance Ald Nomadlozi Nkosi emphasised that water conservation is a shared responsibility and that government alone cannot win the battle against water wastage.

She encouraged residents to take ownership of their water consumption habits, stressing that water conservation must begin in homes, schools and communities.

“The campaign will focus on educating residents about the sources of water, the importance of protecting water infrastructure, responsible consumption and the reporting channels available for water leaks, burst pipes and other water-related challenges,” she said.

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“The engagements will also address the importance of payment for municipal services, responsible water consumption by households registered for indigent support and the role communities can play in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources,” Nkosi said.

Through direct community engagements, the city aims to strengthen public understanding of the pressures facing water supply systems and encourage residents to adopt practical water-saving habits.

“Residents are encouraged to conserve water by turning off taps when not in use, repairing leaking taps and toilets promptly, and reporting burst pipes and water leaks through the city’s official reporting channels.

“Other measures include taking shorter showers, using buckets instead of hosepipes when washing vehicles, reusing water where safe and practical, and avoiding watering gardens during restricted hours. The city also urges residents to educate family members and children about the importance of saving water, noting that responsible consumption is essential to reducing pressure on the water supply network, particularly during periods of high demand.

“The daily awareness activities will give residents an opportunity to engage directly with municipal officials and water sector partners, raise concerns, learn about water leak reporting mechanisms and receive practical advice on reducing consumption.
“Residents, businesses, schools and community organisations are encouraged to support the campaign by making water conservation part of their daily routines,” Nkosi said.

The city emphasises that water conservation is an ongoing collective responsibility that requires sustained action from every resident. It remains committed to working with its partners and communities to promote responsible water use and protect this essential resource for current and future generation