SA begins 'water shifting' to deal with shortages

South Africa's Rand Water company has implemented “water shifting” to address shortages in Johannesburg and the wider Gauteng province.

This means residents will still get water but the flow and pressure may be slower.

The country’s economic hub has been struggling with an erratic water supply for several weeks because of high consumption during the spring and summer months, damaged infrastructure and water leaks.

The government has said "water shifting" is the preferred measure instead of imposing rolling water cuts, as happens with the electricity supply.

Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu called for the measure to be implemented during a site visit to affected areas last week.

Rand Water has called for calm, saying there is no reason for water to run out in Gauteng.

"We have enough water as Rand Water, so no 'day zero' is being experienced in the province," said Makenosi Maroo, Rand Water spokeswoman.

This article originally appeared on BBC News.