eThekwini warns residents to use water sparingly

ETHEKWINI Municipality is urging residents to continue using water sparingly as the current status of the Hazelmere Dam level is sitting at 35.06 percent and the water level is dropping.

According to eThekwini Municipality’s communications head, Tozi Mthethwa, the municipality had to shut down certain reservoirs in the northern region, and, despite its appeal urging customers to save water, consumers have not heeded the call to conserve water.

“The public needs to take active steps to save water. The recent rainfall did not make any positive impact on the level of Hazelmere Dam. Umgeni Water is monitoring storage dams closely and advising the municipality timeously regarding action required from us,” said Mthethwa.

He listed a few tips for residents to save water:

• Do not water the garden.
• Avoid washing cars if possible, or wash using bucket water instead of a hosepipe.
• Do not fill swimming pools.
• Do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth, or for any other activities.
• A two-minutes shower is better than bathing in a bath tub.
• Instead of washing a half load of clothes every day, wash a full load every alternate day.
• When washing vegetables, wash them in a dish instead of under running water.
• Read your meter on a daily basis to ensure there are no internal leaks on your property, and report the leaks to the municipality call centre.
• If you going away, close the main valve.
• When washing dishes do not use running water; rather fill the basin.
• Use water sparingly and wisely, and do not waste water in any way.

“We strongly appeal to our consumers to work with us to avert further water curtailments and urge residents to continue reporting illegal water connections and water leaks to the number 080 131 3013. Residents can also use the number 43554 to SMS when reporting water leaks or email eservices@durban.gov.za,” said Mthethwa.