29/033/2017 Level-2 water restrictions partially lifted: How it affects residents of Joburg​

It has come to my attention that the residents of Johannesburg are unsure about how the City’s decision to partially lift Level-2 water restrictions affects them on a daily basis.

In an effort to maintain a culture of water conservation, the City decided to only partially lift Level-2 water restrictions according to section 44 (3) of the Water Services By-law. This means that:

Watering of gardens by way of hosepipes and irrigation systems are only allowed between 18:00-06:00 (during the period between 1 September and 31 March annually); and between 16:00-08:00 (during the period between 1 April and 31 August annually);
Residents are prohibited from using hosepipes to clean paved areas and driveways with municipal water; and
Residents may fill their swimming pools, but are recommended to invest in a pool-cover, as this significantly reduces evaporation of the water.
The Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) will also continue to enforce by-law compliance in this regard.  I also encourage residents to continue reporting instances of non-compliance by phoning the JMPD 24/7 hotline on 011 758 9650.

In September 2016, the City implemented water restriction tariffs as a means of discouraging excessive water use during low rainfall months.

However, as Level-2 water restrictions are now partially lifted, restriction tariffs will no longer apply as of April 2017. I am pleased to announce that water use will now be billed through these normal tariffs until further notice:

Domestic Water Tariff – Metered Areas

Kiloliters per connection, per month       2016/17 Tariff   (R/kl)

 0-6                                                    Free

> 6-10                                                R 7.14

>10-15                                               R 12.07

>15-20                                               R 17.65

>20-30                                               R 24.03

>30-40                                               R 25.8

I urge consumers to remain active partners in reducing the amount of water used in the City of Johannesburg, and to report any form of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure to 0800 00 25 87. Residents are also urged to keep on using grey water for watering gardens and flushing toilets; and to install water saving devices.

I encourage residents to subscribe to the Joburg Water SMS notification service to receive alerts about planned and unplanned service interruptions. Information is also available on Twitter: @JHBWater; Facebook: Johannesburg Water; and the Joburg Water website: www.johannesburgwater.co.za.

The implementation of by-law enforcement is crucial for Joburg to be a City that works.

The success of our interventions depend on all of us working together to ensure that our taps do not dry up in future.

Media enquiries:

Cllr Nico de Jager

MMC: Environment and Infrastructure Services Department

083 899 2127

NicoDe@joburg.org.za