Johannesburg Water system faces risk of collapse as Rand Water supply remains under strain

Johannesburg Water is appealing to customers to urgently reduce water usage as Rand Water’s Eikenhof System is under severe strain.

INCREASE IN WATER CONSUMPTION STRAINS JOHANNESBURG WATER

This comes as water consumption continues to increase, which is affecting supply.
Johannesburg Water says they along with several other municipalities were alerted by Rand Water to curb high demand on the Eikenhof System.

“High consumption may result in a collapse of the system, which will result in little to no water supply to customers.”

Johannesburg Water

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This will affect Johannesburg Water systems, including Deep South (Orange Farm, Ennerdale, and Lawley areas), Soweto, Randburg/ Roodepoort, and Central (Southdale/ Langlaagte). Although the Eikenhof system may not affect the Sandton, Midrand and South Hills systems, customers in those areas are advised to use water sparingly.

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RAND WATER ISSUES WARNING TO MUNICIPALITIES

The rise in water usage is placing a strain on the system and as a result, Rand Water is unable to maintain its reservoir’s capacity, says the bulk supplier.

“All Rand Water primary and secondary stations are operating at their maximum capacity. Reservoir levels are however at their lowest, resulting in supply pressures being low and high-lying areas having low to no water supply,” Johannesburg Water explained.

This comes after previous communication where the entity noted with concern the current high-water consumption, where the entity urged residents to decrease usage. This after reiterated by Rand Water who cautioned the entity that if consumption is not reduced, extreme measures would have to be instituted.

WATER RESTRICTIONS ACTIVATED TO REDUCE USAGE

This coincides with the implementation of the City of Johannesburg’s Level -1 water restrictions, which run from 1 September to 31 March, annually.
“This is to ensure a continuous and sustainable water supply in the coming months,” the entity further explained.

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