With water shortages looming, WaterCAN’s Dr Ferrial Adam urges South Africans to conserve water and adhere to level 1 restrictions to secure the nation’s water future.
As South Africa grapples with an ongoing water crisis, WaterCAN executive director Dr Ferrial Adam stresses the importance of adhering to water restrictions to avoid severe supply disruptions. With a hot and dry summer expected, Dr. Adam emphasizes the urgent need for residents to comply with current level 1 water restrictions, despite the challenges posed by leaking reservoirs and high consumption demand.
Level 1 Water Restrictions and the Role of Residents
Dr. Adam highlights that water-saving measures are still possible and critical in the face of widespread non-compliance with restrictions. Many citizens are overlooking the regulations, which could have severe implications if high water demand continues unabated.
“It’s not too late. We must start saving water, especially with a very hot summer approaching,” Adam stated. She notes that South Africans’ compliance is pivotal to averting further water supply disruptions and reducing the overall strain on local municipalities.
Addressing the Reservoir Leak Issue
In Johannesburg alone, there are reportedly 42 reservoirs with leaks, according to Dr. Adam. While city officials have prioritized the repair of the 20 worst-affected reservoirs, there remains an urgent need for transparency on the state of all reservoirs and the acceptable limits for water loss. Adam urges municipalities to increase information sharing on reservoir conditions and enforce stricter management measures to ensure government buildings and departments adhere to water-saving practices.
Impact of Water Shortages on Healthcare
The Gauteng Department of Health has reported that water shortages have significantly impacted healthcare facilities, particularly at the Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital. According to spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, the hospital has struggled with inconsistent water supply, relying on water tankers and borehole water to maintain essential services. This shortage has forced the facility to reschedule outpatient appointments and limit elective procedures.
Emergency services are being diverted to nearby facilities to manage patient care during this challenging period. The City of Tshwane has implemented reservoir restrictions to balance the water supply, though authorities continue to urge residents to use water sparingly.
Municipal Actions to Stabilize Water Distribution
To address high water demand in certain areas, Tshwane has introduced a system alternation approach, which restricts certain reservoirs temporarily to enable struggling reservoirs to recover. This measure is part of a broader city initiative aimed at balancing the water supply across the region.
City of Tshwane spokesperson Selby Bokaba explained, “We are implementing daily alternation in the Laudium/Atteridgeville HL system, with technicians supplementing the water supply during high-demand periods. Customers in low-lying areas must use water conservatively to support the gradual recovery of reservoirs.”
A Call to Action: Protecting South Africa’s Water Future
With the severity of the water crisis intensifying, both Dr. Adam and municipal officials are calling for urgent and collective action from all South Africans. Compliance with level 1 restrictions, along with mindful water usage, can make a significant difference in ensuring a sustainable water future. Municipalities continue to prioritize short-term stabilization measures, but ultimately, public cooperation will be critical in managing the crisis.
By adopting responsible water usage practices, South Africans can help prevent future shortages and contribute to the nation’s long-term water security.
Also read: No Day Zero’ for Johannesburg: Mayor Dada Morero Assures Residents Amid Water Crisis
