Picture: THE TIMES
Picture: THE TIMES

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GAUTENG has had below average rainfall but its water system is not under pressure yet.

Dam levels in the province are at 82.9% compared to 92% in 2014, and Gauteng has not technically entered into a drought yet, according to strict scientific terms.

Johannesburg Water’s Hilgard Matthews said: "Bulk supply is not under pressure, but we all have a responsibility to use water sparingly right now."

Average water use in Johannesburg has declined in 2015, but there are no data available for October, which saw a spike in temperatures.

Mr Matthews attributed the decline in water use to the city’s pipe-renewal programme.

Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane has said that Gauteng is "safe" and urged residents to consume water responsibly.

Local government elections are around the corner and water shortages could prove a political hot potato should restrictions be implemented. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has long bemoaned the loss of millions of rands’ worth of water because of leaks.

DA mayoral candidate for Tshwane Solly Msimanga toured Soshanguve on Thursday to highlight leaks in the metro.

Tshwane executive mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa said in his 2015-16 budget speech that overhauling the system to prevent the 50,000 annual leaks will require R2bn, which the fiscus cannot cover.

But the metro will continue its "war on leaks" programme and has allocated R152m to make sure that leaks are attended to in less than 48 hours.