Rand Water Flags High Municipal Demand
By Mpho Moloi
Bulk water supplier Rand Water has raised concerns over excessive water consumption by Gauteng municipalities, warning that the demand has exceeded its licensed capacity to abstract water from the integrated Vaal River system. The utility is now calling for urgent measures to address leaks, losses, and illegal connections to prevent stricter water restrictions.
Speaking at the Gauteng Councillor’s Imbizo at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on Tuesday, Rand Water’s Chief Operating Officer, Mahlomola Mehlo, detailed the challenges the utility faces in meeting the growing water demands of South Africa’s most populous province.
Gauteng’s Water Demand Exceeds Licensed Capacity
Rand Water is licensed by the National Department of Water and Sanitation to abstract 1,600 million cubic meters of water annually. However, current demand has forced the utility to exceed this threshold, abstracting over 1,800 million cubic meters per year under a temporary license.
“This in itself says we need to move our permanent license from 1,600 to 1,800. However, the department has done a responsible thing and said—until you have dealt with those leaks and losses—please don’t come back to us and ask for more water,” Mehlo said.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II, which aims to augment South Africa’s water supply, has been delayed, further complicating efforts to secure additional water resources. Mehlo warned that without addressing current inefficiencies, Rand Water could be forced to implement strict measures, especially in high-demand areas like Johannesburg.
City of Johannesburg: The Biggest Consumer
The City of Johannesburg has been identified as the largest consumer of Rand Water’s supply, accounting for over a third of all bulk potable water. The city’s consumption exceeds sustainable limits, with a significant portion of water lost to leaks, illegal connections, and non-revenue water.
“If the department [of water and sanitation] were to be very strict and say Rand Water you need to abstract within that license, tomorrow we would need the City of Johannesburg to reduce their consumption by 445 million litres a day,” Mehlo explained.
Key Challenges
1. Aging Infrastructure and Leaks
A significant portion of Gauteng’s water is lost due to leaks in aging infrastructure. Municipalities, including Johannesburg, have struggled to address these issues effectively.
2. Illegal Connections
Non-revenue water from illegal connections contributes to high consumption levels, particularly in densely populated areas.
3. Population Growth and Urbanisation
Gauteng’s rapidly growing population and urban sprawl have intensified water demand, putting additional strain on Rand Water’s capacity.
4. Delayed Infrastructure Projects
The delayed completion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II has hindered plans to increase the province’s water supply.
Temporary Licensing and Future Implications
Rand Water’s temporary license to abstract up to 1,800 million cubic meters annually is set to expire in 2025. Without an extension or approval for a higher permanent license, the utility may face severe restrictions on its ability to meet Gauteng’s water needs.
Mehlo emphasised the importance of managing consumption more effectively, stating, “As it were, Rand Water has got no more water to abstract and purify. That’s it. We have reached the ceiling in terms of the license and what the catchment can provide.”
Proposed Solutions
1. Fixing Leaks and Reducing Losses
The Department of Water and Sanitation has urged municipalities to prioritise repairing leaks and addressing non-revenue water losses before requesting additional resources.
2. Water Restrictions
Mehlo indicated that Rand Water may need to implement strict restrictions on its largest consumers, including Johannesburg, to stay within its licensed limits.
3. Awareness Campaigns
Encouraging water conservation among residents and businesses could alleviate some of the pressure on municipal systems.
4. Infrastructure Investment
Expediting upgrades to aging water infrastructure and supporting the completion of delayed projects like the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II are critical to securing long-term supply.
Public Call to Action
The Gauteng Department of Water and Sanitation has called on residents and businesses to take an active role in conserving water, urging them to report leaks and illegal connections promptly.
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