Rand Water recently warned that consumption by several municipal customers had reached exceptionally high levels, placing severe pressure on the water supply system.
Table 1 below shows consumption by municipality. Figures highlighted in red indicate consumption above permitted levels.
Table 1 – Water consumption across Rand Water’s area of supply
Therefore, as shown in Table 1, the following Municipalities continue to overconsume:
- City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality
- City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality
- Emfuleni Local Municipality
- Mogale City Local Municipality
- Rustenburg Local Municipality
- Midvaal Local Municipality
- Madibeng Local Municipality.
Rand Water thanks the following customers for continued efforts in reducing consumption and remaining within the permitted limits:
- City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
- Metsimaholo Local Municipality
- Govan Mbeki Local Municipality
- Merafong Local Municipality
- Lesedi Local Municipality
- Ngwathe Local Municipality
- Victor Khanye Local Municipality
- Royal Bafokeng Administration
- Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
Rand Water has, on numerous occasions, called on all municipal customers to take immediate steps to reduce water consumption and stabilise the system. Despite these appeals, the system remains severely constrained. To protect the water supply system and ensure equitable distribution, Rand Water will begin restricting supply to municipalities that continue to exceed their allocated consumption volumes. These restrictions may result in low water pressure or intermittent water supply in affected municipalities.
Excessive water consumption places an unfair burden on municipalities that remain within their permitted limits. Water must be distributed equitably and the efforts of customers who reduce their consumption should not be undermined by those who fail to do so.
Rand Water has a duty to protect the bulk water supply system and will continue engaging municipalities that exceed their permitted consumption limits. Water conservation is a shared responsibility. Municipalities, residents and businesses are urged to use water responsibly to ensure a sustainable and equitable supply for all.
