Johannesburg Water urges residents to cut usage amid severe supply strain
For more information on water-saving tips and updates, residents are encouraged to visit Johannesburg Water’s official platforms.
Johannesburg Water (JW) has issued an urgent call to action for residents to reduce their water usage following an alarming 8% increase in consumption between December and January.
Spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala confirmed that the city’s reservoirs and water towers are under severe strain, with last week’s consumption levels recorded as the highest in the past year. This concerning trend is attributed to heatwaves and rising temperatures, which have driven up water demand.
“The current consumption rate is not sustainable and demands immediate intervention to ensure water security,” Shabalala said.
To address the crisis, JW has implemented daily water restrictions, or throttling, from 06:00 to 05:00, which started on February 4. These measures, according to JW, aim to relieve pressure on the city’s water supply system while technical interventions are intensified.
Shabalala urged residents to adopt water-saving habits, stating, “We need everyone to partner with us in conserving water. It’s more critical than ever for both homes and businesses to make water conservation a priority.”
The utility’s ongoing Water Conservation and Water Demand Management Programme aims to ensure a sustainable water supply. This includes isolating leaks and bursts as a first-level response and prioritising repairs. However, Shabalala warned that isolating leaks does not guarantee immediate repairs, given the scope of maintenance challenges.
JW continues to stress the importance of collective action.
“We urge all residents and stakeholders to recognise the gravity of this situation. Together, we can safeguard our water resources,” Shabalala concluded.
