Rand Water has warned that excessive water consumption by several municipalities is placing the bulk water supply system under severe pressure, raising the risk of supply disruptions if demand is not reduced urgently.
In a statement issued to Mapepeza, Rand Water said it is currently pumping water at maximum capacity, but demand continues to increase, with consumption reaching record levels.
The utility warned that sustained overconsumption is making it increasingly difficult to balance supply across its network and could lead to widespread disruptions if municipalities fail to reduce water use.
According to Rand Water, several municipal customers are consuming more water than their allocated volumes. These include the City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Emfuleni Local Municipality, Mogale City, Rustenburg Local Municipality, Midvaal Local Municipality and Lesedi Local Municipality, among others.
Rand Water has called on all municipalities that are exceeding their allocations to implement immediate measures to reduce consumption and stabilise the water supply system. The utility said it has repeatedly alerted municipalities about the high levels of water usage and continues to engage them on strategies to reduce demand and strengthen the system.
The water utility warned that if overconsumption continues, it may be forced to take steps to protect the bulk water supply system, including curtailing water supplied to municipalities that exceed their allocated volumes.
Rand Water also appealed to residents, businesses and municipalities to play their part by using water responsibly.
“Water conservation is a shared responsibility. Municipalities, residents and businesses are urged to use water responsibly to help ensure a sustainable and equitable supply for all,” the utility said.
