Car wash companies voice concerns over water curtailment programme

WHILE the eThekwini Municipality has pointed out that the recent water curtailment programme, implemented on October 10, would not mean a water-cuts schedule, there are some concerns from businesses dependent on water, like car wash companies.

According to the City, the curtailment will be implemented over the next 12 months with the aim of achieving an 8.4% reduction in the municipality’s water consumption rate.

The City says that water demand exceeds available supply and that it has reached the limit of water that can be drawn from dams.

Also read: Local ratepayers’ bodies express anger over water curtailment programme

Among some of the measures being introduced by the City are water pressure reductions in the reticulation network; the installation of restrictors in water meters to all consumers; disconnecting all illegal connections; and water rationing where demand is too high or exceeds available supply.

Kevin Ben, who runs Snow White Valet and Detailing, a mobile car wash service, also expressed his concerns over the implementation of the curtailment programme.

“I’ve read about what the plans are, and if the pressure in some areas is lowered or water supply is restricted, it will hurt our equipment. Quite often, our pressure hoses and equipment are affected if the pressure is low. If there is a decision to cut off water supply or restrict water supply for a period of time, it will leave my businesses and others in a tough place. Because we are a mobile business, we travel around Durban, and we often see water leaks, sometimes going on for a little over a day. I feel those issues should be addressed first,” Ben said.

Also read: No water-cuts schedule, says eThekwini mayor

His comments were echoed by Ashton Johnstone, who runs The Car Wash Company in Sunningdale.

“I’m also a resident in the area, so we’ve had to deal with intermittent supply for well over a year. While there are contingency plans in place, water is a vital part of what we do for a living. We have a 1 000 litre tank of water, and we have water reserves, but if there is a complete cut-off or restriction, it could potentially affect and impact on our equipment. We are hopeful that won’t happen, but for now, the concern remains,” he said.

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here