“It has come under Johannesburg Water’s attention that there are residents who are stealing water meters in the Central Region. Since the beginning of October 2012 there has been a significant increase in the stealing of water meters of various sizes,” said Johannesburg Water (JW) Acting Manager: Marketing and Communication, Millicent Kabwe in a recent statement by the water utility.

According to Kabwe, the areas losing between 5 to 10 water meters a day include Berea, Hillbrow, Doornfontein, Yeoville, Observetory and Kengsington.

She adds that there are serious implications for the theft, which includes the fact that these meters are stolen day and night, leaving some residents and businesses without water. “Johannesburg Water is unable to complete other maintenance work because we keep replacing stolen meters,” said Kabwe, adding that the thefts create unnecessary losses of water, something we cannot afford to do as a water scarce country.

“Johannesburg Water condemns this behaviour and we urge residents to report any suspicious individuals that might be behind this unfortunate activity,” said Kabwe. Residents can report these thefts on 011 688 1699 from 06h00-18h00 daily and after these hours, emails can be sent to customerserviceemails@jwater.co.za

The local Policing Forums and SAPS in the respective areas can also be contacted.