City of Joburg implements level 2 water restrictions.

The City of Johannesburg has implemented level two water restrictions after saying last week that restrictions weren’t needed yet. 

The city says it will now enforce the water services bylaw. 

Consumers and businesses are urged not to water their gardens between 6am and 6pm and to avoid filling baths and swimming pools. 

The city says water will still be available; however, supply pressure will be reduced as it attempts to fill reservoirs. 

The city says it received an urgent notice from Rand Water to start implementing control measures for water use.

While the city has been pleading for responsible water use, it says restricted consumption is now critical.

Following the City of Tshwane’s decision to implement water restrictions last month, the City of Johannesburg says it will now be doing the same.

Environment and infrastructure MMC Matshidiso Mfikoe says the city was informed today that reservoir levels were dropping.

“We got a message this morning from Rand Water saying the level in our water reservoirs are dropping.”

While consumers are compelled to cooperate, there will be no supply cuts implemented. 

Officials say consumers will have to change their day-to-day water use habits.

Suggestions include ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded, re-using bath water and taking shorter showers.

The city says it wants to avoid implementing level three restrictions which will see water supply at certain periods.

Mfikoe said, “Please reduce use of water and we ask communities and consumers to stop certain things so we can still have water available.” 

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service is warning that hot weather conditions are expected to continue until at least Thursday.

Temperatures have peaked at nearly 40 degrees across Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo today.

Forecaster Venetia Phakula said, “We are expecting rain on Friday. But the difference is the rain will not be significant enough to ease the drought that has been issue in certain provinces.” www.ewn.co.za