Simon Majadibodu|Published
Rand Water has warned of a looming water crisis as several municipalities continue to exceed their water allocations, putting increasing pressure on the bulk supply system despite pumping atmaximum capacity.
The bulk water supplier said it was pumping at maximum capacity, but demand continued to rise, with consumption reaching record levels.
“Sustained overconsumption is making it increasingly difficult to balance supply across the network and heightens the risk of disruptions unless demand is brought under control,” Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo said.
Johannesburg and Tshwane among biggest overconsumers
Municipalities across Gauteng and neighbouring areas have come under scrutiny for exceeding their water allocations, with the City of Johannesburg recording some of the highest consumption levels.
The city is consuming about 1,801 megalitres of water against an allocation of 1,356 megalitres, exceeding its allocation by 445 megalitres.
The City of Tshwane is consuming 794 megalitres against an allocation of 667 megalitres, while the City of Ekurhuleni is using 1,005 megalitres against an allocation of 1,022 megalitres.
Other municipalities exceeding their allocations include Emfuleni Local Municipality, which is consuming 315 megalitres against an allocation of 239 megalitres; Mogale City, at 107 megalitres against 93 megalitres; and Rustenburg Local Municipality, at 72 megalitres against 68 megalitres.
Midvaal Local Municipality is consuming 39 megalitres against an allocation of 28 megalitres, while Lesedi is using 25 megalitres against 23 megalitres. Ngwathe is consuming 8 megalitres against an allocation of 7 megalitres.
Madibeng is using 14 megalitres against an allocation of 8 megalitres, while Royal Bafokeng is consuming 13 megalitres against 10 megalitres.
Other municipalities remain below their stated allocations but are being monitored amid concerns about sustained demand across the network.
Metsimaholo is consuming 47 megalitres against an allocation of 51 megalitres, while Govan Mbeki Local Municipality is using 75 megalitres against 106 megalitres.
Merafong Local Municipality is consuming 67 megalitres against an allocation of 86 megalitres, Rand West 79 megalitres against 91 megalitres, Victor Khanye 15 megalitres against 17 megalitres, and Thembisile Hani 30 megalitres against 31 megalitres.
Rand Water calls for immediate action
Maroo said Rand Water had called on all municipal customers to implement immediate measures to reduce consumption and stabilise the system.
“Rand Water has repeatedly alerted municipalities to the high levels of consumption,” she said.
She added that ongoing engagements with municipalities focused on coordinating mitigation strategies and identifying additional measures to strengthen the water supply system.
Despite these efforts, persistently high consumption in certain areas continued to undermine the sustainable balance of supply across the network.
“Rand Water therefore calls on all over-consuming municipal customers to reduce consumption in line with their allocated volumes,” Maroo said.
“Immediate compliance is essential to avert the risk of system failure and protect continuity of supply.”
She warned that Rand Water would take appropriate action where necessary, including curtailing water supplies to customers that continued to exceed their allocations.
“Rand Water is duty bound to protect the bulk supply system and will not hesitate to take appropriate action where necessary,” she said.
Residents and businesses urged to save water
Rand Water has stressed that water conservation is a shared responsibility, urging municipalities, residents and businesses to use water responsibly.
“Municipalities, residents and businesses are urged to use water responsibly to help ensure a sustainable and equitable supply for all,” Maroo said.
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