Rand Water has urged water consumers within its area of supply to use water sparingly.

This comes after technical challenges have reduced the capacity of one of the main engine rooms to 20%.

“With temperatures expected to increase throughout our area of supply, we appeal to consumers to use water wisely, as doing so will assist in alleviating pressure on the reduced capacity,” explained Justice Mohale, Rand Water Media Relations Manager.

He said the engine room is estimated to be restored to its normal operating capacity within the next few days.

Thumbs up for Gauteng dams

Meanwhile, a weekly dam levels report by the Department of Water and Sanitation has given Gauteng the thumbs-up for recording a whopping 97.7% at the beginning of the week, followed by Free State at 88.6%.

“The two provinces experienced heavy downpours last weekend and they are poised for higher levels with the predicted showers at the end of the week,” the department said.

Even though the situation is better than the same period last year when the country experienced a devastating drought, South Africa’s dam levels have decreased fractionally from 75.3% to 74.5% this week.