The water supply in parts of Kempton Park is currently under strain due to exceptionally high demand, with several areas experiencing low water storage levels. The City of Ekurhuleni has identified specific neighborhoods that are being impacted by this pressure on the water system, including Terenure, Van Riebeek Park, Kempton Park West, Chloorkop, Serengeti, and Phomolong. As a result, the city has deployed water tankers to assist affected residents, ensuring that they have access to essential water services while efforts to restore normal supply continue.
Spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, Zweli Dlamini, urged residents to adopt water-saving measures in order to help the city recover from the current strain on its resources. The city has emphasized the importance of conserving water so that reservoir levels can recover and stabilize. In addition to the deployment of water tankers, the city has provided clear guidelines for residents on how to reduce water consumption in their daily routines.
Among the key recommendations are measures to reduce water usage for non-essential tasks. For example, residents are encouraged to avoid washing their cars with hosepipes and instead use buckets, which significantly reduces water consumption. Similarly, the city advises against watering gardens during peak sunlight hours and suggests doing so early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation. By adopting these simple yet effective habits, residents can contribute to easing the pressure on the water system.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to reduce water usage in other areas of their homes. For instance, sweeping rather than using a hosepipe to clean driveways and pavements can conserve a substantial amount of water. Other small adjustments, such as turning off taps while brushing teeth or taking shorter showers instead of filling the bathtub, can collectively make a noticeable difference in overall water consumption. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that the limited water supply is used as efficiently as possible.
The city also promotes the reuse of water where possible. Water from washing clothes, rinsing fruits and vegetables, or other similar household activities can be repurposed for other uses, such as watering plants or cleaning. By reusing water in this way, residents can reduce the total amount of fresh water needed, further helping to alleviate the pressure on the system.
As the city continues to monitor the situation, further updates on the water supply will be communicated through its digital platforms, keeping residents informed on recovery progress and any additional measures that may be needed. In the meantime, the City of Ekurhuleni remains focused on working together with its residents to manage the water shortage, ensuring that the community can continue to thrive despite the current challenges.