Rand Water has warned that a water crisis is coming because several municipalities keep using more water than they are allowed. The bulk water supplier said it may cut supply to those that do not reduce their use.
Rand Water said it was already pumping at maximum capacity. Even so, demand kept rising and water use had reached 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.
The City of Johannesburg recorded some of the highest use. According to Rand Water, the city is using about 1,801 megalitres against an allocation of 1,356 megalitres. That is 445 megalitres more than its share.
The City of Tshwane is using 794 megalitres against an allocation of 667 megalitres. Rand Water named Johannesburg and Tshwane among the biggest overconsumers. The City of Ekurhuleni is using 1,005 megalitres against an allocation of 1,022 megalitres.
Other municipalities above their allocations include Emfuleni, which is using 315 megalitres against 239 megalitres. Mogale City is at 107 megalitres against 93 megalitres, and Rustenburg is at 72 megalitres against 68 megalitres.
Midvaal is using 39 megalitres against an allocation of 28 megalitres. Lesedi is using 25 megalitres against 23 megalitres, and Ngwathe is using 8 megalitres against 7 megalitres.
Madibeng is using 14 megalitres against an allocation of 8 megalitres. Royal Bafokeng is using 13 megalitres against 10 megalitres.
Some municipalities are still below their allocations, but Rand Water said they are being watched because of high demand across the network. Metsimaholo is using 47 megalitres against 51 megalitres, and Govan Mbeki is using 75 megalitres against 106 megalitres.
Merafong is using 67 megalitres against 86 megalitres, and Rand West is using 79 megalitres against 91 megalitres. Victor Khanye is at 15 megalitres against 17 megalitres, and Thembisile Hani is at 30 megalitres against 31 megalitres.
Maroo said Rand Water had asked all municipal customers to take immediate steps to cut their use and steady the system. “Rand Water has repeatedly alerted municipalities to the high levels of consumption,” she said.
She said talks with municipalities were focused on planning ways to reduce demand and finding more ways to strengthen the supply system. Rand Water said high use in some areas was still putting the balance of supply at risk.
“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.”
Maroo warned that Rand Water could cut water supplies to customers that keep going over 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.
Rand Water said saving water is everyone’s job. “Municipalities, residents and businesses are urged to use water responsibly to help ensure a sustainable and equitable supply for all,” Maroo said.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice News desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Kgomotso Maake covers news and politics for Tzaneen Voice. Kgomotso reports on government, Parliament, municipalities, courts, crime and service delivery across South Africa, with a close eye on how national decisions reach towns like Tzaneen and the wider Limpopo province. Stories are written in plain English and focus on the facts: who made the decision, what it means, and what happens next.