GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - “The Nqweba Dam is currently at 3% capacity as a result of the continuing drought conditions.”

In a notice issued by the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality today, Thursday, 17 January, the municipality warned residents of Graaff-Reinet to use water very sparingly.

According to the notice, “If no rainfall is experienced in the upcoming days the municipality will be forced to switch off the pumps at the dam. This will mean that water would then be supplied only from boreholes and the municipality could implement water rationing.”

The municipality would also like to remind residents of the following: 

In terms of Section 4 of the Water Services Act 108 of 1997 and Clause 31 of the Water and Sanitation Services By-Law, the following is prohibited:

1. The use of water obtained from the Municipality's water supply system for:

a) watering of gardens, lawns, grassed areas, flowerbeds, sport fields, bowling greens and the like;
b) Topping up of filling fountains, ornamental ponds, and the like;
c) Filling of swimming and paddling pools
d) Washing of paved areas, walls, roofs, buildings and similar structures.

2. The use or operation of:

a) Hosepipes;
b) Sprinklers
c) Automatic swimming pool fillers
d) Automatic urinal flushing systems
e) The connection of a hosepipe or any form of irrigation system to a tap supplying water from the Municipality's water supply system unless for the purposes permitted in terms of this notice.

EXEMPTIONS

1. The Use of reclaimed water obtained from sources other than the Municipality’s water supply system
2. Watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas and flowerbeds by means of a hand-held container.
3. The use or operation of a hose pipe or sprinkler system for firefighting.
4. The filling of a new pool on completion of initial construction
5. Commercial vehicle washing business where at least 70% of the water is recycled (Vehicle washing by means of a hand-held container is permitted).
6. Watering of plants, trees and shrubs in commercial, state and municipal nurseries.
7. The filling of swimming pools at hotels, fitness centres, medical centres, schools, educational institutions and institutions of higher education.

• These prohibitions will, however, not apply in any case specifically exempted, in writing, by the Municipal Manager.

• The municipality will inform residents should water shedding be necessary.

The municipality also requested residents to immediately report any water leaks and pay special attention to toilet cisterns for leaks.

The municipality concluded the notice by thanking residents for their co-operation.

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