Drought wake-up call for all

Hazelmere Dam is currently only 34 percent full but is expected to plummet to 15 percent by August if the drought continues.

Shyam Misra, Sembcorp Siza Water managing director, said the drought-causing phenomenon, El Niño, is now expected to maintain its grip on the weather until the end of winter.

“At the current extraction rate, the dam level is predicted to reach 15 percent by August,” said Misra.

Currently, Sembcorp Siza Water is boosting the demand for water via boreholes and recycled water and is in the process of increasing the recycling boost by about 3 000 000 litres per day via ultra filtration and reverse osmosis.

“Sembcorp has been monitoring ground water levels and has halted all new borehole applications unless it is for human and animal consumption and only in places where our service is not reachable.

A 50 percent water restriction for domestic and 30 percent for commercial consumers is in place and as the dam level reduces, restrictions may be increased.

“Sembcorp has adjusted most of its capital programme towards drought initiatives to ensure minimal or no daily disruptions to our customers. This has assisted greatly as other water service providers have to resort to daily shutdowns to achieve their required savings.”

The company also thanked consumers who have reduced their water consumption and adhered to the various water restrictions.

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