The metro will start with water rationing measures from next week in an effort to save water.<\/p>\n
The municipality has no choice but to take this drastic step as voluntary water saving measures by residents have averaged a savings rate of about 3.5 per cent a week, a far cry from the required 15 per cent.<\/p>
Recent rains have not significantly improved water levels.<\/p>\n
The country needs good rainfall for an extended period to come out of the drought of recent years.<\/p>
Water rationing measures will initially be implemented from 9pm to 5am every day, starting from Monday, November 7.<\/p>\n
This means that there will be no water during this period in the affected areas.<\/p>\n
If these measures do not achieve the required 15 per cent, the metro will ration water during the day, as well.<\/p>\n
The water rationing schedule is available on the metro\u2019s website, www.ekurhuleni.gov.za<\/p>\n
Ekurhuleni announced water restrictions in September 2016 and further said it would start levying penalties for excessive water consumption starting from October.<\/p>\n
In terms of the restrictions, businesses were required to reduce their water consumption by 15 per cent of their average annual consumption and households not to exceed 25kl consumption per month.<\/p>\n
So far, about 3 000 business units and 41 000 households have exceeded their allocated water usage.<\/p>\n
Penalties levied during the month of October amount to R1.7-million.<\/p>\n
The metro urges residents to continue adhering to water restrictions and to implement water saving measures.<\/p>\n
Restrictions include, no watering of gardens during the day, no use of hosepipes, and no filling of swimming pools.<\/p>\n
Water saving measures include fixing leaking pipes, taking five-minute showers instead of using a bathtub, using a cup to brush teeth.<\/p>\n
More water saving tips can be found on the Ekurhuleni website www.ekurhuleni.gov.za.<\/p>\n
Residents are encouraged to report any water leakages or pipe bursts to the call centre on 0860 543 000.<\/p>\n
The metro is improving measures to respond timeously to water loss in public areas.<\/p>\n
For any enquiries pertaining to water rationing, restrictions and to report individuals who continue to disregard the current interventions, members of the public can email savewater@ekurhuleni.gov.za<\/p>\n
Check your area here:<\/p>\n
Water Restrictions Schedule<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n MMC for water gives final clarity on water restrictions<\/a><\/p>\n Metro plans to reduce leaks by replacing old piping<\/a><\/p>\n