Water emergency possible
A dire warning has been issued by the Tshwane metro that should some consumers continued to ignore water restrictions, the city’s taps could run dry.
Severe water shortages could hit the Tshwane metro because of water restrictions being ignored.
The metro said it had learnt that some residents and businesses did not adhere to the restrictions.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo urged consumers to continue their responsible water usage.
“Irresponsible use of water may lead to an emergency situation of a shortage of water,” Mashigo told Rekord.
With temperatures again soaring close to 40 degrees Celsius this week with only the occasional thunder storm bringing some relief, the drought continued to plague Pretoria.
Management at several housing complexes in the city had closed communal swimming pools – much to the chagrin of some residents.
The water restrictions currently in place prohibited the filling of swimming pools.
“We appreciate the cooperation of its customers who heeded the call to use water sparingly. Unfortunately, it has come to the city’s attention that there are some customers who are not complying,” Mashigo said.
No new directions about water use had been issued by Rand Water, which supplied the bulk of Tshwane’s water.
“The metro, however, continues to hold water conservation awareness campaigns as part of the implementation of key interventions to reduce water demand in the metro,” he said.
“The purpose of this campaign is to caution the residents that the water situation remains dire and this will hopefully bring the water demand down.”
Mashigo said the metro received 72% of its drinking water from Rand Water. Thus a notice to impose further water restrictions would come from Rand Water.
One percent of the metro’s water came from Magalies Water with the rest of the water supply coming from the metro’s own water sources such as fountains, boreholes and from the Roodeplaat Water Treatment Plant.
“Should there be a need to impose stricter restrictions, Rand Water will issue Tshwane with a notice,” said Mashigo.
The metro issued some water saving tips such as installing a low-flow shower head and tap aerators, planting indigenous or drought-resistant shrubs in the garden and to water gardens between 18h00 and 06h00 only when really necessary.
The metro advised that rain water should be collected for re-use in the garden or for washing a vehicle.
Covering a swimming pool would reduce evaporation. Shower rather than bath and close the running tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
Pretoria experienced another heat wave this week with the mercury reaching 39 degrees on Monday. Temperatures started going down slightly on Tuesday.
The Tshwane SPCA advised owners not take their dogs for walks during the heat of the day.
“One did not always realise how hot the tar roads get and should dogs be taken for a walk, it should preferably be done early in the mornings or late in the afternoon,” Tshwane SPCA manager Korky Levanon said.
She also urged pet owners to keep the pets water in the shade or to even freeze water bowls.
Also read:
Tips on how to use water efficiently
Metro accused of wasting water
Water leaks a waste in dire times
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