WITh the level of the Kouga Dam having dropped to 15,35%, residents of Hankey and Patensie are reminded to use water extremely sparingly.
“Water rationing to these towns have been suspended for the duration of the 21-day Covid-19 lockdown, but that does not mean that water availability has increased,” Kouga Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks said.
He said water usage in the towns increased was more than 60% over the quota last week.
“The Kouga Dam is currently the only water source to these towns and its level has been dropping at an alarming rate.”
He said that while washing one’s hands regularly for at least 20 seconds was one of the best precautions against Covid-19, it was not necessary to keep the tap running for the full period.
The World Health Organisation suggests applying a palmful of soap or handwashing liquid to a cupped hand, and rubbing hands palm to palm, while interlacing your fingers to cover every surface of your hands.
This should be done for at least 20 seconds. Rinse and dry your hands properly.
Hendricks also called on residents of other Kouga towns to continue using water sparingly.
“The level of the Impofu Dam has dropped to about 16%. This is the biggest dam serving our other towns, which makes it critical that everyone uses water wisely.”
He reminded residents that water restrictions, including a prohibition on the use of hose pipes, remained in place.
“If you are using more water to wash your hands and surfaces, try and save it elsewhere,” he recommended.
“A toilet is one of the biggest biggest water users in the house. By save your shower or bath water and using this to flush the toilet, you can save a lot of water.”
