UPDATE: Water depletion fears calmed
Statements that water reserves could run dry by end of September, have been challenged.
According to DWS KZN Chief Engineer Norman Ward, the Goedertrouw Dam will still have at least 33% of water by 1 October.
However, this does not diminish the severity of the drought.
‘This is a crisis,’ said Ward. ‘But it can be managed if consumers respond.’
Residents expressed concern regarding times of water cuts announced last week by the City and according to Ward, the shut-offs present more than just a convenience problem.
‘They could cause pipe bursts, if operators switch off or on too suddenly,’ he said.
‘Our drought committee recommended that shut-offs be delayed as long as possible and until all other measures had been exhausted.’
Water cuts
The City announced that water would be cut off in eight wards from 27 to 31 July, during peak times twice a day – 4am to 9am and 5pm to 10pm.
‘A shut-off at night would be preferable, as water at night mainly feeds leaks,’ he said. ‘A shut-off between 8pm and 5am, would be better.’
‘These measures may be an overkill, but it will focus users’ attention on the issue of water saving. Users need to recognise that restrictions are a valid tool to manage droughts in a country with a highly variable climate,’ said Ward.
Restrictions
The City further announced water restriction measures for residents, effective immediately:
– No irrigation of gardens
– No washing of vehicles with hose pipes
– No filling or topping up of swimming pools
– No cleaning of surfaces requiring water
– No burning of sugarcane, due to the dry season and limited water resources to extinguish fires.
Any activity of this nature must be reported to the City and people can do so via the City’s toll free number 0800 222 827 or by sending an e-mail to talk2us@umhlathuze.gov.za.
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