Dear staff and students of the University of Pretoria
Owing to the drought and predicted water shortage in South Africa the City of Tshwane (CoT) Metropolitan Municipality has published the statement below.
Tue, Sep 13, 2016
The national Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) published a notice in the Government Gazette, Notice 910 of 12 August 2016, stating that drawing water from the Integrated Vaal River System should be limited.
The limitations [on] drawing water from the Vaal River System by urban and irrigation users are as follows:
- 15% of curtailment on urban water use in the aforementioned areas
- 20% of curtailment on irrigation water use in the aforementioned areas
- The limitation applies from the date of this notice until further notice.
This briefing is intended to inform the public and other stakeholders of the measures we are putting in place to conserve water and to manage increased demand through water restrictions, and to manage [the] water shortage due to drought, heat waves and other seasonal changes.
The City of Tshwane is therefore obliged to comply with the notice and reduce its water consumption by 15%. We receive 72% of our bulk water from Rand Water, but we also source 28% of our water from our own treatment plants and boreholes.
Last year, at the height of the heat wave that gripped the country, we implemented water restrictions in terms of clause 19 of the Water Supply By-Law, Notice 468 of 24 July 2014. The restrictions specifically applied to the following:
- Watering/irrigating gardens with a hosepipe or sprinkler from 06h00 to 18h00;
- Washing of vehicles with hosepipes; and
- Filling of swimming pools
The same restrictions which were implemented last year will apply with immediate effect from today. The City of Tshwane's Water Supply By-Law states, inter alia, that:
The Municipality may by public notice −
a) Prohibit or restrict the consumption of water in the whole or in part of its area of jurisdiction –
- In general or for specified purposes;
- During specified hours of the day or on specified days; and
- In a specified manner
We urge all our consumers to join us in making efforts to reduce water consumption. Should consumers not adhere to the restrictions as imposed by the National Department of Water and Sanitation as well as Rand Water, then the situation will worsen and consumers will be without water for longer periods. Furthermore, if the situation does not improve, then the City will be forced to introduce the following stringent measures:
- Increased tariffs
- Increased policing
- Water shedding
All consumers are urged to adhere to the restrictions and use water sparingly.
Consumers are also encouraged to use water saving tips that are distributed by means of flyers and the City's various communication platforms.
The City of Tshwane appreciates your cooperation in this regard. Furthermore, the City apologises for the inconvenience caused.
We urge all UP staff and students to comply with the request above on all UP campuses, in UP residences and at home to ensure that 15% of water is saved. This is to ensure that water is available until the rivers and dams have been replenished with rain water and to avoid unnecessary penalties that will be imposed by CoT should the required saving not be achieved.
We further request that any person who is aware of leaking pipes or taps or misuse of water on UP campuses or in UP residences contact One Stop at 012 420 2244 or
[email protected] to report the matter.
We thank you for participating in this water conservation and saving initiative.
Yours sincerely
Prof Susan Adendorff
Director: Facilities Management
Virtual Campus
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