Water crisis: Ermelo faces tough restrictions
This shift has raised concerns among residents about how to manage their water consumption effectively
Amid the recent water supply issues affecting the town, Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s spokesperson, Mandla Zwane, has provided clarifications on the current water restrictions in place.
The municipality has been grappling with a shutdown of the raw water supply from the Willem Brummer Dam, which has necessitated reliance on Douglas Dam.
This shift has raised concerns among residents about how to manage their water consumption effectively.
According to Zwane, the municipality has implemented level 2 water restrictions, which are significantly more stringent than level 1. Here’s a breakdown of what each level entails:
Level 1 water restrictions:
• Consumption: Households and businesses must reduce water use to 80% of normal levels.
• Garden watering: Limited to two hours per day between 18:00 and 20:00, twice a week.
• Sport fields: Only cricket pitches, golf course greens and bowling greens can be watered for two hours per day, twice a week, unless using an alternative water source.
• Prohibited uses: Hosing of roofs, driveways and washing of vehicles with garden hoses.
Level 2 water restrictions:
• Consumption: A more significant reduction is required, with residential and business users limited to 50% of normal consumption, and industrial users to 75%.
• Garden and sports fields watering: Not allowed with municipal water. Alternative sources only.
• Swimming pools and vehicle washing: Both are prohibited, including commercial car washing services.
Zwane indicated that non-compliant consumers will face fines and may have flow restrictors installed.
A complaint line and whistle blower facility will aid in enforcing these measures.
“A fine in terms of Section 75A of the Systems Act will be imposed for monthly consumption exceeding 15 000L per month per household connection, including indigent households,” Zwane added.
He said the municipality plans to consult with major water users in the industrial and business sectors to address concerns about their water consumption and possibly discuss ways to reduce or manage their usage during the restrictions.
While Zwane addressed the specifics of the water restrictions, he did not touch on the estimated timeframe for restoring the water supply from the Willem Brummer Dam, the schedule and locations for water tankers, or any long-term measures being considered to address the ongoing water supply issues in Ermelo.
Highvelder will continue to seek clarity on these matters and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
