Rand Water warns of water supply crisis throughout Gauteng

Water shortage

Cape Town — Gauteng’s water issues look set to continue as Rand Water’s current water supply system is on the verge of a collapse that would affect large parts of the province.

Rand Water urged Pretoria residents to use water sparingly as it had to close numerous inlets. It’s total water storage has dropped below 30%, resulting in the closure of the Rooihuiskraal and Brakfontein supply points. Rand Water also closed inlets at the Garsfontein, Kasia and Heights HL reservoirs, IOL reported.

The utility said these measures were essential to manage demand and preserve the current water supplies.

“It is evident that Rand Water systems are under severe pressure. The fact that they are struggling to restore water in Joburg indicates that the entire water supply system (which we share) is under strain.”

City of Tshwane also appealed to all its residents to use water sparingly and stick to essentials only. This included not filling up swimming pools, watering gardens, and taking shorter showers.

There is also trouble at the Eikenhof pump station as it is struggling to supply water at full capacity due to the high demand amidst the extreme weather. Households and businesses in Randburg and Roodepoort are experiencing water setbacks, EWN reported.

This comes as Joburg Water is investigating how a valve at the Eikenhof pump station was turned off for a long time which interrupted supply.

“The city is observing high water consumption usage which exacerbates the situation. Furthermore, the city is currently exceeding its limit in terms of the bulk water supply allocation.” City of Tshwane’s Lindela Mashigo said.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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