Preserve Water or Face Higher Tariffs: Ongoing Water Crisis Leaves Gauteng With 2 Choices
As Gauteng grapples with a deepening water crisis, residents face an urgent call to reduce consumption or face significant financial consequences. The warning comes as Rand Water reports a critical decline in water storage levels across the province, mainly driven by excessive withdrawals from municipalities. In response, the Tshwane Metro has cautioned residents about impending higher water tariffs if consumption does not decline.
The Ongoing Water Crisis in Gauteng
Rand Water, the primary water supplier for Gauteng, is operating at maximum capacity but warns that the province’s reservoirs are critically low. With Tshwane exceeding its water license agreement by 18%, the metro consumes 800 million liters daily against the 666-million-liter limit set by Rand Water.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba emphasized that the excessive demand puts immense pressure on the city’s bulk water system. Failure to manage consumption could result in the system running dry or collapsing, with dire consequences for residents and businesses alike.
“The water utility is pumping about 800 million liters per day to Tshwane, which is 18% more than the city’s license agreement,” Bokaba warned. Despite repeated requests to conserve water, consumption levels remain high, pushing the city closer to level 2 and level 3 water restrictions, which will result in higher tariffs.
How the Water Tariffs Will Work
The metro announced that tougher restrictions will affect consumers financially. The new tiered pricing system, based on water consumption, will increase the price per kilolitre (kl) as restrictions escalate from level 1 to level 3. Here’s how these tariffs work:
| Consumption (Per 30 Days) | Level 1 Tariff (R/kl) | Level 2 Tariff (R/kl) | Level 3 Tariff (R/kl) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 kl – 9 kl | R0.00 | R0.00 | R0.00 |
| 10 kl – 18 kl | R28.97 | R34.75 | R41.68 |
| 19 kl – 30 kl | R39.20 | R58.45 | R105.19 |
| 31 kl – 42 kl | R45.13 | R72.18 | R158.75 |
| 43 kl – 60 kl | R48.28 | R86.89 | R225.86 |
Under Level 1 restrictions, water consumers are charged R48.28 per kilolitre if their usage is between 43 and 60 kl per month. However, under Level 3 restrictions, the same amount of water will cost a staggering R225.86 per kilolitre. This dramatic increase in tariffs reflects the city’s attempt to reduce consumption and preserve dwindling water reserves.
Impact of Higher Water Tariffs on Consumers
Higher water tariffs will have a direct impact on households and businesses, forcing them to reconsider their water usage. With prices soaring under Level 3 restrictions, residents must cut back significantly to avoid financial strain.
The metro is also enforcing water conservation by-laws more strictly, with collaboration from the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD). This includes issuing penalties for non-compliance, such as using hosepipes during peak hours or filling swimming pools.
Bokaba stressed that the metro has taken several steps to manage water consumption, including:
- Replacing aged water pipes to reduce leaks and wastage.
- Installing and refurbishing Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) to manage water pressure.
- Replacing faulty and old water meters and ensuring unmetered connections are addressed.
The Role of Residents in Averting the Crisis
To prevent the collapse of the water supply system, Bokaba urged residents and businesses to reduce water consumption immediately. Seasonal changes, illegal water connections, theft, and aging infrastructure have exacerbated the crisis, making conservation efforts even more critical.
Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo emphasized that municipalities must address water leaks and illegal connections to avoid depleting reserves. With 33% of physical water losses identified in the No Drop Report, municipalities are being urged to act swiftly.
Failure to act will result in further restrictions and price increases, pushing many households and businesses to the brink of affordability.
The water crisis in Gauteng is a stark reminder of the need for sustainable water usage. With reservoirs under severe pressure and water tariffs set to increase dramatically, residents must act now to avoid both dry taps and financial hardship. As Level 3 tariffs loom, consumers will need to make tough choices about how they use water daily. The metro has made it clear: preserve water or pay the price—literally and figuratively.
By working together and adopting water-saving practices, Gauteng can mitigate the impact of the crisis. However, without urgent and widespread cooperation, the region risks not only a financial burden but also an environmental catastrophe that could cripple the water supply for years to come.
