ADVERTORIAL Rand Water
Understanding your water consumption
Regularly checking your municipal account and water meter is vital for understanding how you are billed, your water consumption and any potential leaks on your property.
Leaking taps can cause water losses of up to 60 litres per day, while leaking toilets can waste an average of 400 litres daily. That’ s 1.8 kl and 12 kl, respectively, each month. Water leaks can be very costly and are a significant contributor to water wastage in South Africa.
Knowing how to read your water meter is the first step in establishing whether you have a leak. Your meter is usually situated on the wall near your front boundary line, inside a meter box. Contact your relevant municipality if you can ' t find it.
Most water meters are volumetric and feature a rolling counter to show the amount of water used. This should be checked at the same time each month against your consumption history and water bill. If your meter reading is unusually high, it may suggest a water leak.
Understanding your water bill
You might not spot a leak in your home or garden until you get a surprisingly high water bill. Therefore, check your bill carefully.
Your municipal bill may include two types of water readings: an estimated reading or an actual reading. An estimated reading is given when the municipality does not physically inspect the meter at your property, but instead uses an algorithm to estimate your usage. An actual reading is provided when a physical reading has been taken from your meter. Compare this reading with your meter, and if the estimated readings differ significantly, notify your municipality.
Billing is typically based on kilolitres( 1 kilolitre is equivalent to 1 000 litres) of consumption, and most municipalities bill consumers using a sliding scale. This means that the more water you use, the higher the rate per kilolitre you will pay.
The City of Johannesburg, for example, uses a sliding scale as shown below. Actively practising Water Wise behaviour and reducing consumption will therefore lower your water bill. ■
Domestic Water Tariff – Conventional Water Meters
Check for leaks regularly:
1. |
Ask all members of the house / building to stop using water. |
2. |
After half an hour, record the reading on your water meter, |
noting the red figures. |
3. |
Wait for another hour, ensuring that no water is being used in |
the house or building. |
4. |
Take another reading. |
5. |
Subtract the initial reading from the subsequent one. |
6. |
If there is a difference between these two quantities, it |
suggests a leak. |
Leaks should always be addressed quickly to avoid water wastage and high water bills. It is essential to turn off the stopcock to the house, building, or area where the leak needs repair before starting any work. However, the stopcock should only be closed when necessary, as the pressure changes caused by opening or closing the valve can damage pipes and their brackets. If you are unsure how to repair a leak, consult a qualified plumber.
Kilolitres( kl) per connection per month
Kilolitres( kl) per connection per month
0 kl to 6 kl No charge From 6 kl to 10 kl R 29.84 From 10 kl to 15 kl R 31.15 From 15 kl to 20 kl R 43.67 From 20 kl to 30 kl R 60.36 From 30 kl to 40 kl R 66.01 From 40 kl to 50 kl R 83.28
From 50 kl R 89.24 City of Johannesburg water consumption sliding scale.
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