Rand Water and the Tshwane metro have noticed an increase in the demand for water due to the warmer weather and warn that this is putting pressure on the water systems of the metro area and that of Rand Water.
The institutions say in a joint statement they have agreed on interim and urgent water saving and management mechanisms to ensure sustainable water supply to the metro area.
Rand Water and the Tshwane metro will also implement the resolution, which was agreed upon during a high-level meeting at the weekend. This resolution states that the Tshwane Metro and Rand Water will, based on demand and supply, increase water volumes in certain key reservoirs to ensure long-term supply while water consumption increases.
The resolution took effect on Tuesday evening.
Measures now in place include controlling flows from storage reservoirs and moving water from so-called healthier systems to help areas where high use has depleted the system or reservoir.
“Due to high water consumption, the interventions will be reviewed daily and decisions will be made based on water consumption,” said the statement.
A technical task force, consisting of officials from the Department of Water and Sanitation, Rand Water and the Tshwane Metro, will meet daily to discuss the state of water supply systems and the demand for water and will accordingly introduce measures to deal with supply challenges.
If necessary, water restrictions will be introduced.
Rand Water and the Tshwane Metro Council have also recommitted themselves to the delivery of high quality sustainable drinking water and appealed to people to help save water.
The Tshwane metro and Rand Water were previously embroiled in a dispute after thousands of residents of the capital were once again without water last week. The metro council accused Rand Water of a lack of communication and transparency about the water situation and said it was causing great frustration among residents.
