Tshwane residents urged to conserve water to avoid shortages
19 January 2018
Following a formal notification received from the water utility, Rand Water, Tshwane metropolitan municipality would like to plead with its residents and the business community to be serious-minded about conserving water.
The announcement from Rand Water warns that the abstraction of water from the Vaal Dam currently exceeds the allowable licenced limit as determined by the National Department of Water and Sanitation. Therefore, Rand Water has begun, as of Monday, 15 January 2018, to place a limit to areas of its water supply (which are municipalities) in order to stay within the permissible existing water abstraction limit.
The restrictions are applicable throughout the City and are done to safeguard as well as ensure that there is a continued control and supply of water to all residents.
Our consumers are urged to manage water in a far more effective and efficient way by adjusting the manner in which they utilise water. If this appeal is heeded, water related interruptions will be minimised. The water conservation measures that were implemented during the initial restrictions should become the norm.
Residents are reminded that in terms of the partial restrictions that the City announced in May last year, the following hints of water conservation can be applied:
• to continue to use grey water for watering gardens and flushing toilets,
• to report water leaks and burst pipes,
• to install water-saving devices,
• where possible, install a low-flow showerhead and tap aerators,
• use a dual-flush toilet cistern,
• try to plant indigenous or drought-resistant shrubs in the garden,
• water gardens before 08:00 or after 17:00 and only when necessary,
• use a broom instead of a hosepipe when cleaning driveways or patios,
• collect rainwater for re-use in the garden or for washing the car,
• cover the swimming pool to reduce water evaporation,
• take a shower rather than a bath,
• close a running tap while brushing teeth or shaving,
• regularly check toilets and taps for leaks.
Residents must remain vigilant in conserving this scarce resource and make water saving part of our lifestyle by following the abovementioned tips on saving water.
Issued by Group Communication and Marketing.