A REPORT detailing nine-hour water cuts in suburbs across Durban, including Yellowwood Park, has not yet been implemented by the city.
This is despite the mayor of Ethekwini, James Nxumalo, launching an executive committee probe into the leaking of a daily water restriction timetable to the public earlier this week.
The investigation would also establish who leaked the document and the motive behind their actions. “Measures are being taken by eThekwini Municipality to reduce water consumption as per the directive from MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube that all affected municipalities in the province should effect a 15% reduction in consumer demand for water,” said Mr Nxumalo.
Chief director of water and sanitation, Ashley Starkey said Durban South is supplied by water from the Mgeni Supply system which is supplied by a series of dams including Midmar, Albert Falls, Nagel, Inanda and Spring Grove. “Restrictions in this system were only required in December 2015 and for domestic and commercial users have been recommended at 15% reduction in use. If the restrictions are adhered to there will be a low risk of water shortages or water rationing.” said Starkey. Midmar Dam is currently at 47%, while it normally be 80%.
South Africans waste a lot of water every day
Recent rainfalls have lifted the level of some dams such as the Umzinto and EJ Smith dams and improved the flows in rivers. However, last year has been confirmed to be the driest year on record (since 1921) and it is anticipated that most areas will experience water shortages.
In light of the drought crisis, measures are being implemented such as installing water restrictors and education campaigns on water conservation. “A lack of education can contribute to a lack of appreciation for the scare resource and result in people wasting water. South Africans waste a lot of water every day. This is illustrated by the average consumption of water per capita per day of 235 l, compared to the world average of 173 l. This is a very high usage considering that South Africa is a water scarce country,” added Starkey.
In terms of pollution, Starkey said it can add to the costs and complexity of treatment of water but generally does not impact on the quantity of water available
The drought has brought out many good Samaritans who have held water drives across the country in aid of collecting water to send to affected areas. ” The response has been very commendable and it is encouraging to see so many people wanting to assist. Long term, sustainable and cost effective assistance programmes are likely to be needed for both water supply and food security,” Said Starkey.
While there is no scientific prediction for when the drought will end, the weather forecasts indicate the impact of the El Nino phenomenon should subside as there is a likelihood of normal rainfall patterns by early winter. “We are therefore hopeful that there will be reasonable rainfall in spring. Long term planning is ongoing and aims to ensure that water is available to meet the growing demands. Drought occurrences form part of the hydrological records that inform the water planning,” he added.
We are hopeful that there will be reasonable rainfall in spring
Other short term drought initiatives by the municipality include engagement with the business community and extensive community awareness campaigns to reduce consumption. Penalties and fines have been approved by the Executive Committee and are R500 for domestic consumers and R10,000 for commercial and industrial consumers.
National Water Week will be observed from 14 to 22 March and the public is encouraged to practise water saving and become part of the solution.
Water saving tips from department of water and sanitation (DSW):
- Turn the tap off while washing your face, brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Take a five-minute shower a day instead of a bath, as this uses a third of the water, saving up to 400 litres a week.
- Showering can use up to 20 litres of water per minute.
- Use a bucket rather than a hose to wash your car. If you have to use a hose, use a sprayer that can be turned off in-between spraying the car. Washing with a garden hose could use as much as 30 litres of water per minute.
- Do not pour paint and chemicals down drains.
- Farmers must keep toxic insecticides away from water sources and streams.
- Factories should take care of how they discharge mercury and other heavy metals into waste water.
- People living in rural areas should be careful not to use the river or river bank as a toilet.
For more water saving tips visit the DSW website on, https://www.dwa.gov.za/events/waterweek/2012/Tips.aspx
Report water leaks on 080-131-3013 or email eservices@durban.gov.za
