Wwater consumption by several municipal customers has reached exceptionally high levels, placing Rand Water’s water supply system under increasing pressure. Rand Water warned that although pumping is at maximum capacity, demand continues to rise and consumption has reached record levels.

Sustained overconsumption is making it increasingly difficult to balance supply across the network and heightens the risk of
disruptions unless demand is brought under control, Rand Water said.

The water supplier has therefore called on all municipal customers, including the Ngwathe Municipality with Heilbron being supplied with water by Rand Water, to implement immediate measures to reduce consumption and stabilise the system.

Rand Water says it has repeatedly alerted municipalities to the high levels of consumption. Furthermore, ongoing
engagements focus on coordinating mitigation strategies and identifying additional measures to strengthen the water supply system. Despite these efforts, persistent high consumption in certain areas continues to undermine the sustainable balance of supply across the network, Rand Water said.

The water supplier called on all over-consuming municipal customers to reduce consumption in line with their allocated volumes. Immediate compliance is essential to avert the risk of system failure and protect continuity of supply. Where necessary, Rand
Water will take appropriate steps to protect the system and curtail supply water to over consuming customers.