Residents urged to reduce water consumption
Residents reminded that Level 1 restrictions are still in place
Johannesburg Water (JW) is urging residents to reduce their water consumption, to avoid being affected by water-throttling.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environment and Infrastructure Services, councillor Nico de Jager, said a recent press release that the higher temperatures experienced throughout the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), have led to increased water consumption. “However, we have not received sufficient rainfall to sustain the current trend of increased usage, therefore we are appealing to all residents to reduce their consumption,” he said.
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He added that, if usage does not improve drastically, JW will have no other choice but to throttle the water supply to areas not using water sparingly. “Residents are reminded that, when the the National Department of Water and Sanitation lifted the water restrictions in early March 2017, it was agreed that the CoJ would retain some level of water restrictions. Therefore, Level 1 water restrictions are still in place,” the MMC said.
Level 1 water restrictions mean that the watering of gardens is not allowed between 6am and 6pm during summer months (1 September to 31 March) and no paved areas or driveways should be cleaned using a hosepipe.
Level 1 water restrictions will be enforced by fines issued to consumers who do not comply with the Water Services By-law. Non-compliance can be reported to the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) 24-hour hotline on 011 758 9650.
Residents can also implement the following water-saving tips:
• Do not leave taps dripping.
• Wash your car on the grass. This will water your lawn at the same time.
• Use a watering-can instead of a hose pipe.
• Shorten your showering time.
• Use a glass of water to rinse when brushing your teeth.
• Take shallow baths. Avoid filling your bath to a depth greater than 100 millimetres.
• Reuse water to water your garden or pot plants.
The MMC concluded by saying, “Water is a scarce commodity and sustainability of supply requires that all residents work together to save this precious resource. Residents are also urged to continue to report all burst pipes, leaking water meters, open hydrants and leaks to 011 375 5555/ 0860 562 974, SMS 082 653 2143 or by visiting www.johannesburgwater.co.za.
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