Residents urged to adhere to water restrictions despite recent rain
Regardless of the recent heavy rain, residents are urged to adhere to water restrictions.
HIGHVELD – Regardless of the recent heavy rainfall, the water crisis is not over yet and residents are still urged to stick to the prescribed municipal water restrictions.
The Vaal Dam levels are currently at 52.8 per cent, which is not sufficient and the Govan Mbeki Municipality still needs to save water.
Though more rain is forecast for the first few months of this year, it is unlikely that the reservoir levels will recover fully.
Residents therefore need to focus on saving as much water as possible and the municipality will be intensifying the enforcement of water restrictions in an attempt to stretch the available water supplies.
The municipality has conducted night time water shutdowns, but the resultant water conservation has not been sufficient as the community continues to misuse waste water.
The municipality asked that the public complies with the following water saving plans.
• Washing of vehicles, including recreational vehicles and watercraft, is only allowed with hosepipes fitted with automatic self-closing devices or with waterless products.
• No washing or hosing down of hard-surfaced or paved areas with drinking water from a tap is allowed.
• All taps, shower heads and other plumbing components should be replaced with water efficient parts/technologies.
• Watering of plants in nurseries, farms and vegetable gardens, among others, for commercial gain will be exempted from the water restrictions subject on approval by the director of Technical Services.
• Informal car washes must only use buckets and not hosepipes.
• No automatic top-up systems are allowed for swimming pools. It is recommended that all swimming pools be covered with a pool cover to avoid evaporation when not in use.
• Ornamental water fountains/water features may only be operated by recycling the water.
• Industries are encouraged to use recycled water or grey water for activities not requiring potable water.
• If a resident or business uses borehole water, there must be a clear sign displayed on the outside of the premises.
Failure to comply with these, will result in a R5 000 penalty imposed as part of the Contravening with Water and Sanitation By-law.)
The municipality urged the public to report anyone failing to comply with these restrictions, as well as all water leaks.
They warned the community about further measures that could be implemented, including the implementation of a drought tariff.
