NEWCASTLE – Steadily dropping water levels could leave Newcastle in a crisis by December.
Read: 5 updates around SA’s drought
Water Services Authority, Dr Dumisani Thabethe cautioned if water consumption was not carefully managed, the last month of the year could see the town in ‘deep trouble’.
Currently, the Chelmsford/Ntshingwayo Dam is approximately 43 per cent full.
Dr Thabethe appealed to residents to help preserve what little remained in both the dam and in the taps, or face dire consequences.
“It’s important to note that last year at this time, the dam was 65.9 per cent full.”
Dr Thabethe explained higher water consumption in the summer months, owing to the heat and increased evaporation due to wind, saw a significant drop in water reserves.
Thus far, Newcastle West has proven the biggest culprit of water wastage.
In Madadeni, the municipality halts water supply between 9pm and 4am, while in Newcastle West, where there is no water shedding, the precious resource is consistently going to waste.
“We’ve appealed to the community to not water gardens, and otherwise conserve water. We are only seeing the change now, but appreciate the call has been answered.”
Dr Thabethe continues to engage with the community through Facebook, keeping residents informed of water shutoffs and other pertinent matters.
Another of his focus areas is local car washes.
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Although he has no direct control over water usage by these businesses, Dr Thabethe still appealed to car wash owners to use buckets instead of hosepipes.
“We are looking into reusing water. Residents should follow the four Rs: reuse water, reduce consumption, repair leaks and read the meter regularly.”
Identifying and addressing water leaks were another important aspect, Dr Thabethe said.
He explained above ground problems were common, but that a dripping tap could cost anything from R25 extra per month.
Undetected underground leaks also drive up utility bills.
“Look for damp patches on the grass or an area which is evergreen. This normally shows the presence of an underground leak.”
Dr Thabethe added it was time for residents not to rely only on municipal reminders to save water. The municipality is committed to engaging vigorously with the community.
“Rain comes from God alone; we will all face the water crisis together eventually. The municipality and Department of Water and Sanitation cannot make rain.”
