City of Tshwane warns residents to immediately cut back on water usage
The city’s reservoirs are dropping rapidly, forcing Tshwane to draw around 800 million litres of water a day from Rand Water, 18% more than its licensed limit.
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JOHANNESBURG - The City of Tshwane is warning residents to immediately cut back on their water consumption.
Soaring demand over the warmer months is threatening the metro's water supply.
The city’s reservoirs are dropping rapidly, forcing Tshwane to draw around 800 million litres of water a day from Rand Water, 18% more than its licensed limit.
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High water usage is putting severe pressure on Tshwane’s network, with particularly high demand at the Mooikloof Ridge Pump Station and several reservoirs, including Carina Street, Mabopane, and Atteridgeville.
City Spokesperson Selby Bokaba said, “The water utility is currently pumping about 800 million litres A day to Tshwane, when it’s supposed to be pumping 662 million litres daily. This is about 18% more than the city’s licence agreement with the water utility.”
Bokaba said that the city is calling on residents to report leaks, repair household drips, and prevent vandalism of water infrastructure.
“Residents are further reminded that the water restrictions that were imposed previously in line with the water supply bylaws were never withdrawn and are therefore still applicable. The city urges all residents to make a concerted effort in decreasing the water usage by adhering to the water restrictions.”
Water restrictions remain in place and activities like watering the garden between 6am and 6pm, washing vehicles and filling pools are prohibited.
The metro warned those who ignore restrictions that they may face penalties.