Pretoria:The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on residents across the country, especially in Gauteng, to cut back on water usage in response to the rising demand and the anticipated El Niño phenomenon. These factors are expected to place additional strain on water supply systems during the 2026/27 summer season.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department has warned that excessive water usage in areas with a stable supply could exacerbate shortages in regions already experiencing disruptions. Wisane Mavasa, a spokesperson for the department, highlighted that the ongoing heatwave, now in its third week and occurring amidst El Niño conditions, is further increasing water demand in Gauteng.
Gauteng's average daily water consumption is approximately 250 litres per person, which is notably higher than the international average of 173 litres. The department's report indicates that non-revenue water is estimated at 47%, with physical water losses making up about 27%. These statistics underscore the need for more efficient water use and reduction of avoidable losses throughout the supply system.
DWS manages Rand Water's annual abstraction volume from the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), maintaining it to ensure water sustainability. Adjustments to this allocation occur only during severe droughts or when long-term assessments support a sustainable increase. The department stresses that Rand Water cannot receive additional volumes beyond its authorised allocation, and collective efforts are necessary to decrease average daily water demand.
Residents are urged to incorporate water conservation into their daily routines by taking shorter showers, turning off taps when not in use, and fixing leaks. Garden watering should occur between 6pm and 6am to reduce evaporation, and compliance with municipal water-use restrictions is essential.
Municipalities are advised to keep communities informed about the status of their water supply systems and any constraints or interventions that might affect availability. Regular communication aids residents in understanding conditions and making informed decisions about water use.
The department remains committed to managing water resources sustainably, with abstraction limits guided by available resources, dam levels, and expected inflows. It may implement reductions in authorised water abstraction by various users to safeguard stressed resources.
The South African Weather Service has forecasted a high chance of a strong El Niño, which could lead to below-normal rainfall and increased temperatures, further stressing water supply systems.
