The City of Ekurhuleni is urging residents and businesses to conserve water as rising consumption places increased pressure on the city’s available water supply.

Level 1 water restrictions remain in effect, with residents reminded to comply with measures aimed at reducing unnecessary water use and protecting the city’s water resources.

Under the Level 1 restrictions, residents may not:

• Water gardens between 06:00 and 18:00: Sprinklers and hosepipes may not be used to water or irrigate gardens during these hours.
• Use hosepipes or sprinklers to clean driveways and pavements: Residents should use a broom or bucket instead.
• Wash vehicles using a municipal hosepipe: Hosepipes connected to the municipal water supply may not be used to wash cars, trucks or other vehicles.
• Fill or top up swimming pools with municipal drinking water.

The City said it is also intensifying water-conservation and demand-management measures to reduce water losses and improve the efficiency of its water-distribution network.

These measures include leak detection and repairs, repairs to leaking water meters and connections, and the refurbishment and optimisation of pressure-reducing valves.

Also read: Ekurhuleni urges indigent residents to stay within free water allocation limits

Ongoing leak detection and repair work is being carried out in areas including Daveyton and Actonville.

The City is also implementing performance-based water-demand management and revenue-enhancement initiatives linked to measurable and verified water savings.

Residents urged to reduce consumption

Residents can help reduce pressure on the water network by adopting simple water-saving habits.

The City recommends that residents:

• Keep showers to a maximum of five minutes.
• Only run washing machines and dishwashers when they have full loads.
• Repair leaking taps and running toilets promptly.
• Report leaking water meters and other water-related service issues affecting municipal infrastructure.

Residents are also encouraged to check their properties for internal leaks, which can contribute significantly to water wastage.

Water leaks and related municipal service issues can be reported through the My CoE App, by calling the City’s Call Centre on 0860 543 000, or by emailing call.centre@ekurhuleni.gov.za.

Residents and businesses are advised to keep their reference numbers when reporting issues to assist with follow-ups.