STRICTER water restrictions could come into effect soon as the levels of Kouga’s supply dams continue to plummet.
Kouga Executive Mayor Horatio Hendricks said the introduction of tighter water controls would be discussed at the next Council meeting.
“While we had some good rain in our town areas recently, little rain fell in the catchment areas. This means that dam levels remain critically low,” he said.
At the beginning of the week the levels of the two main dams serving the region, the Kouga and Impofu Dams, stood at only 16,4% and 16,66%.
The levels of the two smaller dams, the Churchill and Loerie, stood at 79,11% and 35,83% respectively.
“These two dams are so small, that they contribute very little to water security. Until such a time as the Kouga and Impofu Dams recover, it is important that we all reduce the amount of water we use daily,” he said.
Hendricks said forecasts by the South African Weather Services looked grim, with a drier than normal period expected up until May.
“While the municipality is developing more boreholes to increase the water supply, the situation is very serious.
“All residents and businesses are urged to use water only when absolutely necessary and to use as little as possible when they do,” he said.
Residents are reminded that the current water restrictions prohibit the connection of a hose pipe or irrigation system to taps supplying water from the municipal system.
Pools, ponds and fountains may not be filled or topped up with municipal water.
Washing paved areas, roofs, walls and similar structures with municipal water is also not allowed.
Residents are further encouraged to save their bath or shower water and to use this to flush their toilets.
Hendricks said transgressors could be fined R500 if caught breaking the water restrictions. Transgressions can be reported to the Kouga Call Centre on 042 2002200 or through the Link service delivery app which can be downloaded from the Google Play or App Store.
“Every one of us has a role to play in preventing Kouga’s taps from running dry.
“We urge all residents to think twice before they use water and to make sure that each drop counts,” he said.
