The Tshwane metro has warned that high water consumption is putting the city’s water network under severe strain.

Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the city has so far identified certain areas in various regions as the main contributors to the overall high volume of consumption within the city.

“Our water balance data accessed on www.tshwane.gov.za indicates that water use in some areas is above average household consumption.”

Bokaba said that since December 2025, consumption has averaged over 30.6 kilolitres per household.

“This is placing the entire water supply at risk,” he warned.

The following areas have been flagged with very high use:

North: Hammanskraal West; New Eersterus Ext 3, 6, and 7; Kudube Unit Ext 11; Amandasig Ext 45; Theresapark Ext 38; Ramotse; Marokolong; Soshanguve South Ext 7; and Magalieskruin Ext 40.

Centurion: Nellmapius Ext 3; Irene Ext 52 and 147; Monaghan Ext 3; Erasmia Ext 5; Raslouw Ext 12; and Glen Lauriston Ext 5.

East: Mamelodi Ext 10; Sterrewag Ext 3; Zithobeni Ext 6; Bronkhorspruit; and Boardwalk Ext 11.

West: Danville Ext 17

Bokaba said this increased demand is putting pressure on the entire water network, which may affect water availability and supply stability across the city.

“If not reduced, it could lead to larger-scale outages.”

He explained that the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Plant is struggling to recover adequately due to a high level of water consumption by consumers who are supplied by the Bronkhorstspruit, Zithobeni, Ekandustria reservoirs and the Zithobeni Tower.

“This is despite the plant’s current production of between 29 and 32 megalitres per day, after it had begun running continuously since last week, Tuesday, February 3.

According to Bokaba, the high level of consumption by customers is making it difficult for the system to stabilise.

“Currently, the Bronkhorstspruit, Zithobeni and Ekandustria reservoirs are sitting at low levels while the Zithobeni Tower is empty,” he said.

“To manage the situation, the city has opted to implement a 50/50 distribution split from the treatment plant, and technicians will closely monitor the reservoir levels and the system performance,” he added.

Bokaba explained that it is hoped that this intervention will assist in improving stability across the system. Customers are implored to use water sparingly to allow the reservoirs to recover and stabilise supply.

“The city will continue to monitor the system, and further updates will be communicated as the situation develops.”

The metro urged every customer to take immediate action by:

Checking their property for leaks – a hidden leak can waste thousands of litres.
Reducing shower times, pausing all non-essential garden watering, and running washing machines and dishwashers only with full loads.

Implementing the above measures could assist the city in protecting the wider water network and secure water supply across Pretoria.

Also read: Confusion over repair teams delays fix to persistent Mahube street water leak

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