Water department urges Gauteng residents to cut water use
The Department of Water and Sanitation says a heatwave in its third consecutive week and a likely strong El Niño put summer supplies at risk. It warns that heavy use by residents with water could leave areas with disruptions short.
Department spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the heatwave is pushing up demand across Gauteng. She said leaking municipal pipes and high use per person add to the problem. The department said Gauteng uses about 250 litres per person a day, against an international average of 173 litres.
The department put non-revenue water at an estimated 47% and physical water losses at about 27%. It said the South African Weather Service forecasts a high likelihood of a strong El Niño in the 2026/27 summer. The department said El Niño could cut dam inflows, raise evaporation and increase demand.
The department said it cannot give Rand Water more than the volume already allocated to it from the Integrated Vaal River System. Mavasa said the department will cut the water that farms, industries and other users, including water boards, may draw where this is needed. She urged residents to follow municipal water restrictions and make saving water a daily habit.
Key facts
- Who
- Wisane Mavasa (department of water and sanitation spokesperson); Department of Water and Sanitation (government department issuing the warning); South African Weather Service (forecaster of a high likelihood of a strong El Niño); Rand Water (water utility allocated an annual abstraction volume from the IVRS)
- What
- The department of water and sanitation warned that excessive water use could leave areas with supply disruptions without enough water, citing rising demand, a third consecutive week of heatwave and a high likelihood of a strong El Niño in the 2026/27 summer. It urged residents to observe municipal water-use restrictions and reduce daily demand.
- When
- 3 November 2026
- Where
- Gauteng
- Status
- Reported