Winters in Gauteng are always dry, which makes our water levels drop quite a fair bit. Recently the Vaal dam levels were released, and officials are cautioning excess water use.
Gauteng, South Africa – Gauteng winters are cold and very dry, hence why everything looks brown and unattractive compared to the lush green summers. It is hard to accept browning lawns and dried up pools, but this is something we have to deal with to save water.
In March of this year, water restrictions were implemented because the Vaal dam went below 70%. These restrictions are still something to keep in mind as we sink below 65% pre-summer season.
Vaal Dam
Percentage: 64.2%
Level: 19.23
Volume: 1676.2
Flow: 18
Rainfall: 0
Last update: 31 July 2019
The level 1 restriction means the following needs to be adhered to daily:
- Watering of gardens is only allowed between 18:00-06:00 (1 September and 31 March); and between 16:00-08:00 (1 April and 31 August).
- All consumers are prohibited from using a hose-pipe to clean paved areas, roofs and driveways with municipal water.
- Sports fields are only allowed to be watered for two hours per day, twice per week. This includes the watering of cricket pitches, golf course greens and bowling greens.
City of Johannesburg residents are reminded that level 1 water restrictions are still in place enforceable by the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and consumers are urged to report non-compliance using the 24/7 hotline on 011 758 9650.
All residents are encouraged to report water and sanitation problems on the Call Centre 011 375 5555 and social media pages: Twitter- @Jhbwater and Facebook – Johannesburg Water. They also post helpful tips for saving water across their social media platforms.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation in Gauteng wishes to impress the message of water conservation on consumers. The Department believes the reliability of water supply to be partly dependent in the manner consumers use water. The Department is therefore calling on both businesses and the public to use water with due consideration for other water users” – The Department of Water and Sanitation
We can all take a few extra precautions to ensure our water security before the rainy season. After all, if we don’t get good rains, we are worse off next year.
Let’s take a leaf out Cape Towns book and be mindful of how much water we use every day. Here is how to manage and lower your water usage easily and without too much effort.
- Don’t run the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Take shorter showers, avoid bathing.
- Save grey water for the garden or flushing the toilet.
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow.
- Make sure your washing machine is full before using it.
- Place a brick in your toilet.
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