High water consumption causes concerning reservoir drop
The Level 1 water restrictions have not been withdrawn and is therefore still applicable.
The Tshwane Metro has urged residents in several regions to urgently reduce their water consumption after recording one of its highest levels of water use since August 24.
The metro said on August 27 that its telemetry system recorded consumption of 932 megalitres per day (Ml/day), which is 265 Ml/day above the city’s permitted limit.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the high consumption was placing significant pressure on the metro’s water distribution network and Rand Water systems.
“Residents need to urgently reduce their water consumption because the current levels are putting the entire water system under severe pressure,” said Mashigo.
The metro has identified 10 reservoirs with particularly high consumption, as residents supplied by them contribute significantly to the demand.
The affected areas include parts of regions 1, 3, 4 and 6.
Reservoirs experiencing high consumption include Kruisfontein, Klapperkop, Rooihuiskraal, Garsfontein, Mooikloof, Ga-Rankuwa East, Ga-Rankuwa Industrial, western parts of Ga-Rankuwa and Koedoesnek HL and Koedoesnek LL.
Areas supplied by these reservoirs include Soshanguve, Arcadia, Lynnwood, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, Ga-Rankuwa, Faerie Glen, Garsfontein, Equestria, Wapadrand and surrounding areas.
According to Mashigo, demand in the supplied areas exceeds what the metro can provide, forcing it to surpass its licensed figure for the amount of water it should source from Rand Water.
He cautioned residents that they could face prolonged water supply interruptions if consumption does not decrease.
“Residents are further reminded that the Level 1 water restrictions that were imposed previously in line with the Water Supply By-laws were never withdrawn and are therefore still applicable.”
Residents are prohibited from watering or irrigating gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 06:00 and 18:00, washing vehicles with hosepipes and filling swimming pools.
Mashigo also encouraged shorter showers, closing running taps while brushing teeth or shaving, checking for leaks, using brooms instead of hosepipes to clean driveways and patios, and collecting rainwater for reuse.
The metro warned that it may impose fines and restrict water supply for consumers who fail to comply.
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