Water-saving measures to be implemented
Domestic, commercial and industrial consumption is to be reduced by 50 per cent in the northern areas and 15 per cent of normal consumption in the rest of the city.
DESPITE the recent welcomed rain, it was insufficient to end the drought, with water levels of dams still critically low.
As a result, the Department of Water and Sanitation has advised the city to implement water-saving measures in all areas supplied by the Umgeni River System, which include all areas within the eThekwini Municipality. Northern areas supplied by Hazelmere Dam are already under severe water restrictions.
In order to achieve this, the city appeals to all residents to reduce their water consumption. Domestic, commercial and industrial consumption is to be reduced by 50 per cent in the northern areas and 15 per cent of normal consumption in the rest of the city. Irrigation activities are not allowed in the northern areas and are to be reduced by 50 per cent for the rest of the metropolitan area.
EThekwini Municipality further urges holiday resorts and holidaymakers to use water sparingly and make use of grey water. This is water from the kitchen and bathroom that can be reused in the garden.
People can their part in saving water this festive season by fixing leaking taps or report them to local authorities immediately. A dripping tap (one drop per second) wastes up to 30 litres of water an hour.
• Do not fill up the bath tub, or alternatively take a five-minute shower.
• Close the tap when brushing your teeth or use water from a cup.
• Close the tap when shaving.
• Do not rinse dishes under running water. Rather fill a basin to rinse dishes.
• Avoid washing vegetables under running water; rather use a bowl to do this. The water can be reused in the garden.
• To check if you have a toilet leak, put a few drops of food dye in the cistern. If the colour slips into your bowl, you have a leak. A leaking toilet can waste up to 30 litres of water per hour.
• Hosepipe usage is prohibited during this period. Wash your car using two buckets of water. This can save up to 300 litres of water each time you wash your car.
• Wash your car on grass as this will water your lawn at the same time.
• Teach children not to waste water and engage them in water-saving exercises.
• Only water your garden with grey water before 10am and after 4pm. Watering your garden while the sun is high wastes water as most of it gets evaporated into the air with the heat of the sun.
• Avoid watering on windy days as the water easily evaporates.
• Make use of grey water.
• Collect rain-water for irrigation purposes from the roof with tanks or containers placed under the roof.
EThekwini Municipality head of communications, Tozi Mthethwa, said, “With everyone working together and playing their part, this will ensure that the demand on our dams is reduced and a regular water supply will be maintained to all residents.
“The city will continue implementing a number of water-saving initiatives. We further request that water leaks are reported quickly and accurately in order for them to be repaired timeously. Our helpline will operate 24 hours a day for the duration of the festive season,” she said.
Contact the call centre on 080 131 3013 or SMS 43554 to report any water-related matters.
“Staff will respond quickly to address the situation,” added Mthethwa.
