DESPITE intermediate water interventions being made to supply adequate water to the southern areas, water woes continue in the areas served by the Wiggins Water Treatment Plant.

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The Wiggins Water Treatment Plant, a cornerstone of the city’s water infrastructure, is grappling with a significant supply challenge that is affecting both central and southern regions, including Pennington on the south coast. This emerged this week during the address made by Ward 66 councillor Zoë Solomon to the residents.

Typically, the plant produces 350 million litres of potable water daily. However, recent maintenance work has sharply curtailed this output, resulting in a production of only 316 million litres per day. This shortfall of 34 million litres is exacerbated by the potential for additional losses due to leaks and other unforeseen issues.

In response to the reduced production capacity, City officials have mandated an urgent reduction in daily water consumption. Residents and businesses across the city are now required to cut their cumulative water use to a maximum of 300 million litres per day. This critical adjustment aims to align water usage with the diminished reservoir levels and prevent further depletion.

The situation is compounded by a strategic reduction in inflow from the southern catchment area, which has been scaled back during nighttime hours. This measure is designed to ensure that water levels in the reservoirs remain as stable as possible given the current constraints.

Solomon issued a stern call to the public, urging immediate and substantial water conservation efforts.

“We are facing a serious water supply challenge. I urge every resident to reduce their water usage drastically. Simple actions, such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and avoiding unnecessary water use, can make a significant difference.”

She said the city’s reservoirs, which are essential for maintaining a steady water supply, are at risk of falling below safe levels if high consumption continues without adequate inflow.

“The public’s cooperation is critical to stabilising the situation and ensuring that the water supply remains sustainable until the plant returns to full production capacity,” she added.

Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary. For now, the City’s focus remains on conservation and managing the water supply crisis with the cooperation of its residents.

Residents are encouraged to fetch water at the Fynnlands Olympic Pool on Smith Drive. Free drinkable borehole water is available at the Daisies and Dreams Nursery opposite Grosvenor Girls’ High School.

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