Water restrictions for all SDM
The Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) recently implemented water restrictions all over the region in response to the current drought and water shortages which persist across the country
LIMPOPO -The municipality’s Communication Officer, Willy Mosoma, said the country faces major challenges with regard to the drought.
“We were left with no choice but to adopt water restrictions. These regulations will help SDM meet its self-goal, to improve the condition of our groundwater basin. Our dams and river water levels are too low, this is the reason most residents are experiencing water shortages in Burgersfort.
“The town is severely affected by the drought and the impact is felt. SDM is abstracting 5,7 megalitres instead of 13 from Spekboom River and this is a result of the national water restrictions imposed by the Department of Water and Sanitation. We are pumping 4,9 megalitres to Burgersfort residents, instead of the 13-megalitre demand.
“This means that if water is not used sparingly, the communities will experience low water pressure and some residents may not receive any at all,” Mosoma warned.
He said on 14 October, the recorded reservoir levels in Burgersfort were: main reservoir level – 90%, reservoir number 1 – 26%, reservoir number 2 – 46% and reservoir number 3 – 21% capacity.
In Ohrigstad, the upper reservoir level is at present 69% and the booster pump station reservoir is at 53%.
“Communities are therefore encouraged to use water sparingly, especially those who live where the levels are very low. The municipality will continue to provide tanks where there is no water at all.
“No irrigation of gardens at all including those using a borehole-water supply. No brushing of teeth on a full running tap.
“Residents have to install a dual-flush system instead of a large one which uses nine litres, while the small system uses four litres per flush,” Mosoma noted.
Some of the water-use efficiency programmes entail taking a shower instead of a full bath, avoiding the washing of paving and driveways with a hosepipe. Don’t wash vehicles when using a hose, instead use a bucket or alternative foam wash.
Water percentage in the Sekhukhune area’s dams
Flag Boshielo Dam – 20%.
Blyderivierpoort Dam – 41,8%.
Loskop Dam – 44,7%.
De Hoop Dam – 82,7%.
