GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Due to high turbidity in water supply, abstraction from the Nqweba Dam in Graaff-Reinet has stopped.
According to the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, the town now relies on boreholes, which may cause water interruptions in certain areas of Graaff-Reinet.
Over the last two weeks, the Advertiser has received multiple complaints about the colour and smell of the water in town. MP Samantha Graham-Maré reported this week that she had hoped to have the dam water independently tested, but the laboratory she contacted closes this week. "However, they said they are aware of [Graaff-Reinet's] drought and believe the poor quality of water is because of what has been released from the mud into the water in the dam following months of being empty," Graham-Maré said.
According to Acting Municipal Spokesperson, Edwardine Abader, the municipality reported on 8 December that, due to low water levels in the dam, high turbidity in the water supply was causing discolouration.
"Water extraction from the dam started on 2 October, to increase water supply," said Abader. At the time of the extraction, the dam level was 16,19%. Although extraction from the dam can continue until a level of 10% is reached, the municipality stopped its extraction at 12%, due to the high turbidity.
"The municipality has reverted to boreholes for water supply. This, unfortunately, will cause water interruptions to certain areas within Graaff-Reinet," Abader said. She added that carting and filling of water tanks will occur.
The municipality urged residents to use water sparingly and to comply with the water restriction in place.
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