Water restrictions for Lydenburg and surrounds

On account of low rainfall and high residential water usage, Thaba Chweu Local Municipality (TCLM) has, with immediate effect, implemented water usage restrictions.

According to TCLM, this is a precautionary measure to ensure that town and its extensions will have sufficient water resources. The municipality said the restrictions were decided upon by the current level decline of Lydenburg Dam and the growing population in Mashishing which has increased the demand for fresh water supply.

TCLM’s reduction in water usage falls directly in line with the latest report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). 

This department’s latest records regarding the state of reservoirs report in August show that water levels in the listed dams in Mpumalanga continue to drop as the average level in the province is now below 70 per cent.

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According to its weekly water status report, the average water in the listed dams dropped from last week’s 70,2 per cent to 69,9 per cent, meaning there is currently 1 771,1 cubic metres of water out of the full capacity requirement of 2 538,6 cubic metres.

“The municipality has not yet introduced water rationing, however, should there be no sufficient rains by mid-November, the situation could be dire and might lead to the implementation of more stringent control measures. As a direct consequence, the watering of gardens and lawns, filling up of swimming pools, washing of cars and hard surfaces such as pavements using hosepipes and the usage of clean drinkable water by car washers are strictly prohibited.”

TCLM said the violation of the water restrictions will lead to penalties and even prosecution following applicable municipal by-laws. To ensure that residents abide by the current water curtailment the municipality has instructed the municipal by-laws enforcers to do routine monitoring to ensure compliance.

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“The municipality further urges members of the community to do their utmost to conserve water and to inform family members, friends, and neighbours about the consequences of wasteful water usage practices.

“In a bid to mitigate against the water shortages, the public is encouraged to observe water-saving tips such as; taking short showers, washing cars with buckets, turning off taps while brushing teeth, repairing water leaks in households, and reporting municipal leaks to the relevant department. Water is life and as such every little act to conserve will make a huge difference,” TCLM added.