Tshwane metro threatens stringent measures over water usage

Tshwane water and sanitation MMC Phillip Nel on Thursday (September 30) said the city was looking into ways to normalise the reservoir levels.

Nel blamed Rand Water for allegedly supplying inconsistent water to their reservoirs, which was having a severe impact on Tshwane’s high-lying reservoirs.

“Reservoir levels across Tshwane have dropped severely over the past week, with some reservoirs reaching critically low levels.”

He said in spring and summer, the metro normally saw an increase in water consumption due to the heat; however, the supply issue was worsening the situation.

“It is important to note that most of the water our city uses comes from Rand Water and with their supply being increasingly erratic, residents may be affected and without water.”

Nel said during a he went on a site visit to the Laudium reservoir to assess the causes of the continued water outage in the western part of Tshwane that Rand Water had committed to releasing more water to the area.

“The maximum pressure we have received in the last couple of weeks is 10 bar (100 meters static pressure) which is not sufficient to fill the reservoir.

“The hydraulic analysis indicates that a minimum pressure of 13,5 bar (135 meters static pressure) is needed to fill the reservoirs. The maximum supply we have been receiving of 10 bar is far below that required.

“We have now indicated factually to Rand Water that their current supply is not able to fill our reservoirs.”

He said the city leadership had written to the Cogta MEC in Gauteng to request his intervention in the issue.

He said currently, the Soshanguve, Mabopane, Mooikloof, Constantia reservoir and tower, Mamelodi, Laudium, Atteridgeville, Magalies, Mnandi and Grootfontein reservoir and tower were also critical.

“While the rest of the system is currently relatively healthy, the sustainability of these reservoir levels rests on getting sufficient volumes at the right pressure from Rand Water.

“While technical solutions are being worked on, we appeal to all residents to use water sparingly to prevent a situation where some areas will be without water.”

Nel said if residents did not adhere to these measures, the metro would implement stringent restrictions across the entire distribution network to curb the demand and ensure constant reservoir levels.

“Water conservation simply means using our limited water wisely and caring for it properly. Water is not a limitless resource, so without conservation efforts, this vital resource may be exhausted.”

Residents have since been urged to make the following water conservation measures part of their usual lifestyle:

• Do not water or irrigate gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 06:00 and 18:00.
• Do not wash vehicles with hosepipes.
• Do not fill swimming pools.
• Residents should report water leaks, burst pipes and all incidents where water is wasted.
• Where possible, water-saving devices should be installed.

Residents should make water conservation part of their everyday lives by adhering to the following water-saving tips:

• Install a low-flow showerhead and tap aerators where possible.
• Use a dual-flush toilet cistern.
• Plant indigenous or drought-resistant shrubs in the garden.
• Use a broom instead of a hosepipe when cleaning driveways or patios.
• Collect rainwater to reuse in the garden or wash the car.
• Cover the swimming pool to reduce water evaporation.
• Take a shower rather than a bath.
• Close a running tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
• Regularly check toilets and taps for leaks.