Frequently asked questions
How do I determine if there is a water leak on my property?
- Try to establish 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.
Who is responsible for fixing water leaks on private property?
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 the 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 Water Services. It is illegal for a consumer or private contractor to tamper with a water meter.
How do I contact Water Services?
Coastal: East London and surrounding area
Telephone: (043) 705-9236
After hours: (043) 705-9200
Midland: Mdantsane and surrounding area
Telephone: (043) 705-9861
After hours: (043) 705-9200
Inland: King William's Town and surrounding area
Telephone: (040) 639-1716
After hours: (043) 722-1884 or (083) 299-5301
Water Manager: Dennis Smith
Telephone: (043) 705-2880
email:
denniss@buffalocity.gov.za
District Water Engineer: Coastal
Graham Cowley
Telephone:
(043) 705-2084
email:
grahamc@buffalocity.gov.za
District Water Engineer: Midland
Dowu van Zyl
Telephone:
(043) 705-9852
email:
dowuv@buffalocity.gov.za
District Water Engineer: Inland
Steve Shortt
Telephone:
(040) 639-2061
email:
steves@kingtlc.ecape.gov.za
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