The City of Ekurhuleni is putting water saving measures in place to manage peak water demand as temperatures rise and, it’s calling on residents and businesses to do the same.

As spring temperatures go up the demand for water and water-using activities – like gardening and swimming rises as well putting pressure on water supply.

In a statement the municipality Rand Water has also requested municipalities to curb water use during this period, which is traditionally when consumption is at its peak. The bulk water supplier has implemented Stage 1 of their protocol for the operation of the bulk water distribution network.

This stage calls on municipalities to implement measures to balance the supply and demand for water to mitigate the risk of water interruptions.

Reducing water pressure

“To this end, the City is putting in place interventions such as the reduction of water pressure, prioritizing the repair of major pipe bursts as well as leak detection and repair.

“Residents could therefore experience low water pressure, especially during peak demand times between 05:00 and 08:00 and 17:00 and 20:00,” said Ekurhuleni spokesperson Themba Gadebe.

The City said it is also aware that many industries have entered their peak production season. “

In order to ensure that there is a constant supply of water businesses are requested to continue in their endeavours to reduce the demand on the municipal water supply system,” the municipality said.

Although water restrictions were lifted in March, irrigation activities are prohibited between the hours of 07:00 and 17:00.