All water related complaints must be reported to the call free number 0800 205050, which is operated 24/7. A reference number will be issued. Complaints can also be e-mailed to waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za.

24/7 Call Centre on tel 0800 20 5050

• Check whether there are any damp areas on the ground or on the walls where your pipes run.
• Make sure that the geyser is not overflowing by checking the overflow pipe on the roof.
• Check the cisterns of each toilet on the property to ensure that the rubber seal is effective and water is not continually running into the bowl.
• If a hissing sound can be heard from the water pipes when no taps are running, there is probably a leak.
• Make sure that no taps are dripping: - a dripping tap can waste more than 200 litres of water a day, or about 6,5 kilolitres a month.
  
• Take a reading before going to bed at night; before you use/consume any water the following day, take the reading again. Any deviation between the two readings will indicate that you have a water leak

Reading Your Water Meter

Your water account will show a consumption charge for the total number of kilolitres you have used over the last month. Note that the meter reader does not read the number of litres.

As you are being charged according to the amount of water you use, it is a good idea to know how to read your meter and read it regularly. 

It is important to understand water volumes. Here is an explanation:

1 Ml = 1 000 k l (think of a cube 10 m x 10 m x 10m. The NMBM usage is approximately 320 Ml/day)
1 k l = 1 000 l (think of a cube 1 m x 1 m x 1 m, 1 k l = 1 m³)
1 l = 1 000 ml (a teaspoon takes 5 ml, a cool drink can take 330 ml)

Your water meter tells you exactly how much water you are using. Generally, water meters are located just inside the boundary of your property, normally in the corner.

Water usage can be monitored by simply reading your meter on a daily basis. 

Black numbers tell you how many kilolitres you have used; 

Red numbers tell you how many litres you have used.

• to detect leaks, close all taps and check that the water meter shows no consumption
• read your meter regularly, get to know where the water is used
• protect your meter from theft and vandalism

Download an application form here. Populate the application form and attach a copy of the latest municipal approved drainage plan as well as a copy of the premises’ municipal utility bill, not older than three months. Submit these to recordssup@mandelametro.gov.za . On receipt of these documents, a Trade Effluent Inspector will visit the contributor’s premises to collect trade effluent samples at a representative point within the premises’ drainage system. A minimum of approximately four samples will be collected to ascertain the wastewater effluent strength discharged by the contributor. If the analysed samples are compliant the stipulated parameters a permit will be processed and sent via post. If the analysed samples do not comply a mitigation plan must be submitted and implemented prior to issuing of the permit. For any further clarity please contact. Trade Effluent Inspectorate at Telephone No. 041 - 506 2208 or Email: lsimon@mandelametro.gov.za.

The Scientific Services Laboratory ensures that our water quality is of excellent quality and in compliance with strict water quality checks as prescribed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). Scientific Services conducts vigorous testing of drinking water including chemical and microbiological analysis. In addition, they test treated wastewater from wastewater treatment works and water from rivers, lakes and beaches.

PROTECT OUR SCARCE RESOURCES

"We need water to grow our economy and to alleviate poverty in South Africa.

Let’s conserve our water and use it with care”

WATER SAVING TIPS AND GENERAL INFORMATION 

IN THE HOME:  

• immediately repair/report leaks (dripping taps can waste 200 l/day)
• check no overflows from hot water storage cylinder (geyser) or toilet cistern
• educate all staff and children to save water
• wash up in batches, not single items
• collect cold water from the shower in a bucket while waiting for hot water to arrive
• rinse dishes in a basin and reuse the water in the garden
• use bathwater to flush toilets
• heat water in a kettle rather than run the hot water tap
• make less use of automatic dishwashers and reduce their running cycles
• shower instead of bathing – do not let the shower run continuously, use a bucket to collect in the shower. In the shower, turn the water on to get wet, turn off to lather up, then turn back on to rinse off.  Repeat when washing your hair
• bath in not more than 100 mm depth of water
• share baths when possible
• flush toilets sparingly, flush with the bath water
• automatic flushing urinals waste water; replace them
• place 1 litre plastic bottle/bag filled with water in the toilet cistern
• avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily.  Dispose of tissues, insects or other similar waste in the rubbish rather than the toilet
• check inlet float valve operating level and washers in the toilet cistern
• If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it
• check flush valve at bottom of toilet cistern for leakage
• use water efficient appliances such as low-flow shower heads, tap aerators, washing machines & dishwashers, 6 litre toilet cisterns or dual flush cisterns
• store drinking water in the refrigerator.  Don’t let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow
• do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.  Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave
• don’t let the water run while shaving or washing your face.  Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin
• install grey water system from wash water to use in the garden 

•  collect rainwater from roofs in tanks, top up the pool when necessary
•  divert rainwater downpipes to pool
•   use a pool blanket and save on evaporation losses
•   recycle your backwash water to a tank, allow to stand for a day and use on lawn
•   reduce cycling periods and cycling time  

IN THE GARDEN:  

• do not water lawns with a hosepipe
• reduce areas requiring water
• do not water in hot or windy conditions, water in early morning or early evening
• use mulches on flower beds and around trees to conserve soil moisture (70mm)
•  water by bucket or watering can
• remove or lock outside taps
• collect rainwater in tanks, and divert rainwater to garden
• consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.  Wash car on the lawn and use a bucket
• keep lawn at 2 cm height
• remove alien weeds that consume water
• plant local indigenous water-wise trees shrubs
• dig catchment basins around your shrubs
• ensure deep watering of roots
• design paths and driveways to be higher than adjacent flower beds
• install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use.  Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water efficient irrigation methods
• do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended.  Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself 

 IN THE OFFICE:  

•      educate all staff to save water
•      factory managers must do water audits to identify wasteful practices
•       use recycled water for wash water processes
•       implement rainwater harvesting
•       install grey water system 

 YOUR WATER METER: 

• to detect leaks close all taps and check that the water meter shows no consumption
•  read your meter regularly, get to know where the water is used
• see how to read your water meter
• protect your meter from theft and vandalism  

WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IS IT TO CONSERVE WATER?

Everybody uses water and it is everybody’s responsibility to use water wisely, sparingly and to save it wherever possible. Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community.  Encourage them to "do their part”.  Conserve water because it is the right thing to do.  Don’t waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying in a hotel. 

HOW CAN I PAY MY PART?  

• You can play a part by being aware of your impact on water consumption and your responsibility to save it and by telling others about it.
• You can save water at home, at work, at school and anywhere you use water.
• Use the many tips to save water and try to find other ways to save it. 

   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

·         REPORT LEAKS TO CALLFREE NO.:   0800 20 5050

·         Or waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za

·         Or waterrestrictions@mandelametro.gov.za 

Reading Your Water Meter

• to detect leaks close all taps and check that the water meter shows no consumption
• read your meter regularly, get to know where the water is used
• protect your meter from theft and vandalism

How do you use water in your home? The two main water-guzzlers are baths and toilets!

Remember the golden rule: bath water should not be deeper than 100mm.Check the table below to establish which of your domestic activities use the most water.

AVERAGE DAILY INDOOR WATER USE FOR A TYPICAL DWELLING WITH 4 OCCUPANTS 

(Note that typical values used. Usage depends on design of water installation, personal habits, and size of family and efficiency of appliances)

·        PRACTICE WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER EFFICIENCY MEASURES

·        CHECK YOUR WATER CONSUMPTION FREQUENTLY BY READING YOUR WATER METER

·         FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PHONE OR VISIT  WEBSITE:

·         REPORT COMPLAINTS TO CALL FREE NO  0800 20 5050 OR E-MAIL TO  waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za              

RESTRICTIONS ON THE USE OF WATER

In terms of Section 4 of the Water Services Act 108 (No 108 of 1997) and Clause 31 of the Water & Sanitation Services By-Law the following will be prohibited from immediate effect:

1. The use of water obtained from the Municipality’s water supply system for: -

(a) watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas, flower beds, racecourses, sports fields, bowling   greens, golf greens and fairways, croquet lawns, turf wickets, ploughing fields and the like;

(b) topping up or filling fountains, ornamental ponds and the like;

(c) filling swimming and paddling pools;

(d) washing paved areas, walls, roofs, buildings and similar structures.

2. The use or operation of: -

(a) hosepipes;

(b) sprinklers, sprinkler and drip systems;

(c) automatic swimming pool fillers;

(d) automatic urinal flushing systems;

(e) the connection of a hosepipe or any form of irrigation system to a tap supplying water from  the Municipality’s water supply system unless for the purposes permitted in terms of this     notice.

EXEMPTIONS

1. The use of reclaimed water or water obtained from sources other than the Municipality’s water supply system.

2. Watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas and flower beds by means of a hand held container.

3. The use or operation of a hose pipe or sprinkler system for firefighting.

4. The filling of a new pool on completion of initial construction.

5. Commercial vehicle washing business where at least 70 % of the water is recycled. (Vehicle washing by means of a hand held container is permitted)

6. Watering of plants, trees and shrubs in commercial, state and municipal nurseries.

7. The filling of municipal swimming pools and swimming pools at hotels, fitness centres, medical care centres, schools, educational institutions and institutions of higher education.

8. The prohibitions contained in this notice shall not apply in any case specifically exempted, in writing, by the Executive Director: Infrastructure and Engineering.

NOTE

THE CONTRAVENTION OF THIS PROHIBITION CONSTITUTES A CRIMINAL OFFENCE

The Municipality has implemented a number of emergency schemes and interventions to mitigate the consequences of the water shortage. Here are some of them:

1.    Emergency schemes 

• Making available non-potable water to the public at no cost, to offset potable water consumption.
• Promoting use and making available return effluent water from all waste water treatment plants
• Making available untreated ground water at Coega Kop (this water will be collected at the Motherwell Cemetery).
• Using additional clarified and chlorinated unfiltered water from the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works to increase the Municipality’s total treatment capacity by 30 megalitres per day.
• Planning and completing feasibility studies for the desalination of sea water.
• Fast tracking the construction of the new Coega Kop Water Treatment Works and Well Field ground water from the artesian aquifers in the area surrounding Coega Kop. 

2.    Interventions 

Human capital resourcing, i.e. staff recruitment comprised the appointment of 13 plumbers, as well as 1 Senior Superintendent, 2 Superintendents and 6 Installation Inspectors. 

3.Other interventions:

• Sourcing external capacity to augment internal capacity – Contractors were procured to assist in leak detection and fixing.
• Intensification of the Assistance To The Poor (ATTP) Programme – This programme inter alia ensures that internal leaks in indigent local households are fixed.
• Serving notices to schools that consistently record high consumption.
• Installing water demand management devices at schools to stop water abuse.
• Training Peace Officers authorised to issue fines to water abusers and enforce the NMBM Water & Sanitation Bylaw.
• A 10-year business plan was developed and approved by Council to deal with the major problem of non-revenue water, as well as bulk water supply and meters; remote meter reading; pressure management and billing management; water and sanitation tariffs; leak repairs; operations and maintenance;  domestic meter audits;  valve and hydrant audits; water meter replacement; reservoir rehabilitation; and community awareness. 

We urge all our stakeholders to be vigilant in the protection of our water infrastructure, as water disruptions are occurring as a result of theft and vandalism at reservoirs and pump installations.

We thank all our residents and stakeholders for working with us to mitigate the impact of the water shortage. We require the active participation of each and every resident to ensure water sustainability in our City.

Please take up the challenge of bringing our consumption down to 250 megalitres a day. 

All commercial, industrial and institutional effluent discharged into a municipal sewer must be registered with Trade Effluent Inspectorate in order to be granted a Trade Effluent Permit. The permit is issued in terms of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) - Water and Sanitation Services Bylaw and it allows for the wastewater effluent from the premises within the NMBM’s jurisdiction that meet specific standard of quality to be discharged into the sewer network. The permit is an authority granted by NMBM to a contributor which discharges an effluent whose strength exceeds that of normal domestic strength.

All commercial, industrial and institutional effluent discharged into a municipal sewer must be registered with Trade Effluent Inspectorate in order to be granted a Trade Effluent Permit. The permit is issued in terms of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) - Water and Sanitation Services Bylaw and it allows for the wastewater effluent from the premises within the NMBM’s jurisdiction that meet specific standard of quality to be discharged into the sewer network. The permit is an authority granted by NMBM to a contributor which discharges an effluent whose strength exceeds that of normal domestic strength.

STILL USING WATER FREELY?  SEE WHAT THE MUNICIPALITY WILL DO…

Our supply dams stand at less than 24%  – and the water levels are still dropping.

As part of its water-saving measures, the Municipality is currently installing flow meter restrictors for high-consumption households consistently using more than 30 kilolitres of water per month.

These meters allow a water supply to each household from 5am every day until the daily limit of 1 000 litres per household is reached. The meter then automatically turns off the water supply until 5am the next morning.

Please monitor your water consumption and avoid having your water restricted!

Note: Tampering with the flow meter restrictor is a criminal offence. You will be prosecuted.

All commercial, industrial and institutional entities, e.g. Restaurants, Butcheries, Hotels, Manufacturing and Production centres, Car Washing Facilities, Medical and Educational Institutions, and so forth.

The Municipality maintains and repairs the water mains up to the water meter. The area from the meter to the taps is the responsibility of the owner or tenant, depending on the lease agreement.

If you have a leak on your property, contact a private plumbing contractor to make the necessary repairs. It is in your own interest to have a leak repaired immediately, as you will be charged at a higher rate as your consumption increases. If there is a burst pipe or leak on a roadway or pavement, report it to the Municipality’s Water Services. It is illegal for a consumer or private contractor to tamper with a water meter.
Water Services: 24/7 Call Centre on tel 0800 20 5050 or waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za

To ensure all contributors categorized as industrial, commercial and institutional comply with the Water & Sanitation Services Bylaw in terms of effluent discharge into the municipal sewer network. Compliance assist to prolong the life span of the sewerage infrastructure for both conveyance and treatment systems.