In a press statement, Rand Water urged residents to use water sparingly as it is currently experiencing challenges of sustaining water supply.

The utility says it has over the years communicated with its customers the need to reduce consumption and water wastages.

“The hot summer months present a persisting challenge where usage of water goes up due to behavioural pattern inconsistent with the country’s water scarcity. It is a fact that South Africa is ranked as one of the driest countries in the world. However, South Africa continues to be amongst the highest consumers of potable (clean) water despite the limited availability of this precious resource.

“We have since implemented Stage 1 of water curtailments in efforts to slow the high consumption levels. The consumption of water takes place within the reticulation system of the Municipalities and as such, Rand Water’s efforts will amount to zero if consumers do not change their consumption patterns.”

Rand Water further states that high consumption of water in a scarce country is unsustainable and urges consumers to use water wisely.

Consumers are urged to follow these tips for saving water:

• Do not irrigate your gardens during this peak consumption period, i.e. From the 20th till 30th September 2021.
• Do not fill up your swimming pool during this peak consumption period, i.e. From the 20th till 30th September 2021.
• Do not wash your car with a hose pipe, rather use a bucket
• .Report any leaks immediately to your Municipality
• Repair your leaking taps, toilets within the household
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
• Turn off the water while shaving
• Where possible, take a shower as opposed to bathing
• Do not fill your pool during peak consumption hours, i.e. Between 6 AM and 7 PM.

Rand Water further urges Municipalities to invoke their bylaws to ensure that some of the above water saving tips are enforced.