Tshwane turns up the heat on water wasters
The City of Tshwane says water flow restrictions might be a possibility for areas where water consumption remain high.
City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo says Tshwane has observed with disappointment that some areas within its jurisdiction have not been adhering to calls for water preservation.
"The non-observance of water-saving appeals has resulted in Rand Water issuing a warning on 8 January 2017 to take drastic action (as informed by meter readings) against areas that are using excessive volumes without making an effort to save water," says Mashigo.
These areas include:
- Mooikloof
- Hatherley
- Kosmosdal
- Lotus Gardens
Mashigo says people residing in the above mentioned areas are forewarned that if they do not save water, the City's Water and Sanitation Department will be compelled to completely close water supply at certain times.
"In addition, the data available also shows that areas such as Mabopane, Soshanguve, Kruisfontein, Ga-Rankuwa, Saulsville (Atteridgeville LL) and Laudium are not achieving the 15% saving criteria," says Mashigo.
Mashigo says the City has started with the installation of flow regulators to limit the flow to the high water users and areas of high water consumption.
The following water restrictions have been imposed and are applicable in Tshwane:
- Garden irrigation is only allowed between 18:00 and 22:00 (this includes watering with buckets, hosepipes or automated sprinkler systems).
- Vehicles must not be washed with hosepipes (use a bucket).
- The filling of new or empty swimming pools requires an application for exemption.
- Hard-surfaced or paved areas may not be washed or hosed down with drinking water from a tap.
"Customers throughout the city are urged to continue to lessen high water usage and start to conserve water as every drop counts," says Mashigo.