Water reduction plans to be implemented from 21:00 to 05:00 twice a week in high water usage areas
Despite beginning on November 11, Johannesburg Water has not yet released the schedule of times and areas that will be affected but commits to releasing the data as soon as possible.
Johannesburg Water (JW) has announced water reduction plans for areas of high water consumption.
General manager for operations Mzakhe Mtshweni, said, “Water reduction will take place in identified areas from 21:00 to 05:00 twice a week.”
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Set to begin on November 11, the water entity did not have a list of areas available at the time of writing.
“These measures will enable us to ensure our reserves are higher as we need to have at least a 24-hour supply available to mitigate any problems the system may face, such as the recent power interruption that affected the Palmiet system.”
He added the ongoing lack of rain and high temperatures were not helping as many consumers were not actively trying to reduce consumption despite Level 1 restrictions currently in place.
Another initiative to reduce consumption is a targeted and rigorous campaign set to begin next week which will remove illegal water connections.
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“We are going after private households, estates, businesses, and informal settlements to ensure our water is not being stolen and further depleting the system. We will not hold back in our efforts to do this aggressively.”
Law enforcement entities will accompany Joburg Water to ensure personnel safety and reduce the likelihood of negative outcomes.
Speaking of Level 1 restrictions, Mtshweni said they were monitoring the situation very carefully and approaching the council to have associated escalations of Level 1 restrictions implemented. “These include water reduction in some areas and tariffs for usage but we are not there yet.”
5-year water conservation strategies being implemented by Johannesburg Water also include:
- Repairing leaking reservoirs and tower infrastructure
- Repair and replacement of zonal bulk water meters
- Active and passive leak detection
- Establishing new pressure management zones and minimum night flow analysis
- Retrofitting and removal of wasteful devices (infrastructure upgrade and renewal)
- By-law enforcement for illegal connections cut-offs
- Replacement and refurbishment of large gate valves
- Water pipe replacement
- Domestic and large consumer meter replacement.
“The strategy aims to reduce demand by 37 123Ml per annum.”
The schedule of water reduction areas will be posted as soon as it is made available.
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