Rand Water has issued a warning about an approaching water crisis as several municipalities continue to exceed established water distribution norms. This is creating growing pressure on the centralized water supply system, even though pumping stations are operating at maximum capacity.
The water supplier stated that although it is operating at full capacity, demand continues to rise, reaching record consumption levels. A Rand Water representative, Makenos Maru, noted: 'Constant excessive consumption makes balancing supplies across the network difficult and increases the risk of failures if demand is not brought under control.'
Johannesburg and Tshwane are among the largest consumers
Municipalities in the Gauteng region and neighboring areas are under scrutiny for exceeding their water consumption limits. The city of Johannesburg recorded some of the highest consumption levels, using approximately 1,801 megaliters of water against an allocated limit of 1,356 megaliters, which exceeds the norm by 445 megaliters.
The city of Tshwane consumes 794 megaliters against a norm of 667 megaliters, while the City of Ekurhuleni uses 1,005 megaliters compared to allocated 1,022 megaliters. Other municipalities exceeding limits include Emfuleni Municipality, consuming 315 megaliters against a norm of 239 megaliters; Mogale City—107 megaliters against a norm of 93 megaliters; and Rustenburg Municipality—72 megaliters against a norm of 68 megaliters.
It was also noted that Midvaal Municipality consumes 39 megaliters against a norm of 28 megaliters, and Lesedi uses 25 megaliters against a norm of 23 megaliters. Ngwathe consumes 8 megaliters against a norm of 7 megaliters. Madibeng uses 14 megaliters against a norm of 8 megaliters, and the Kingdom of Bophuthatswana consumes 13 megaliters against a norm of 10 megaliters.
Some other municipalities remain below stated limits, but they are under observation due to concerns about sustainable demand in the network. Metsimaholo consumes 47 megaliters against a norm of 51 megaliters, while Govand Mbeki Municipality uses 75 megaliters against a norm of 106 megaliters. Merafong Local Municipality consumes 67 megaliters against a norm of 86 megaliters, Rand West—79 megaliters against a norm of 91 megaliters, Victor Khanye—15 megaliters against a norm of 17 megaliters, and Thembisile Hani—30 megaliters against a norm of 31 megaliters.
Rand Water's call for immediate action
Maru stated that Rand Water has repeatedly appealed to all municipal clients, demanding immediate measures to reduce consumption and stabilize the system. She emphasized that current interactions with municipalities are focused on agreeing on mitigation strategies and determining additional measures to strengthen the water supply system.
Despite efforts made, persistently high consumption in certain areas continued to undermine the stable balance of supplies in the network. Therefore, Rand Water calls on all municipal clients who are overconsuming to reduce their usage according to allocated volumes. Maru added that immediate compliance is critical to prevent the risk of system failure and ensure continuous water supply.
She warned that Rand Water will take appropriate action if necessary, including restricting water supply to clients who continue to exceed their limits. Maru stressed: 'Rand Water is obligated to protect the centralized water supply system and will not hesitate to take appropriate measures if required.'
Rand Water also highlighted that conserving water resources is a shared responsibility, urging municipalities, residents, and businesses to use water responsibly to ensure sustainable and equitable supply for all.
