The Chris Hani District Municipality said that Komani at Queenstown is facing a major water crisis.
In a statement on Wednesday, CHDM said that apart from the long drought spell, the situation's being exacerbated by a recent heat wave that led to high water demands.
The Municipality said that other factors affecting water demand and supply in Komani were frequent "stoppages" of the McEwan pump station, leakages detected in the area from "government institutions and schools and a "lack of relief from Bonkolo Dam which is beyond measurable levels.".
"It is becoming apparent that our only source of supply, Water Down dam cannot cope with the current state as water channeled to our reservoirs from this source must immediately be dispatched to consumers due to demand," the Municipality statement said.
"The reservoirs become so depleted to the extent that the water pressure is too low to provide water to higher lying areas whilst low lying areas would somewhat, be at an advantage.
CHDM introduced water restrictions which are scheduled between 20h00 and 05h00 to allow reservoirs levels to increase and be able to distribute to all areas during the day. We have noted that high-lying areas are the hardest hit as they are without water for the better part of the day."
"As Komani now solely depends on Waterdown Dam as a water source, the dam levels have also decreased to 60%. The Department of Water and Sanitation has also notified the District of this severe strain on our dam levels," CHDM said.
"The Department will decrease allocation to Komani should dam levels reach 55%. This will compel CHDM to introduce more water restrictions and water cuts."
The CHDM has pleaded with residents/ratepayers to take control of their own supply and use water sparingly and adhere to water saving practices by, amongst others:
"refraining from watering gardens and lawns,
"washing cars with hosepipe,
"reducing laundry intervals,
"turning off water tap whilst brushing teeth,
"taking shorter showers etc.
"Public and business entities are also urged to play their part by reducing consumption as much as possible. Importantly, repair leaks within own properties and report any outside leaks to CHDM."
"In light of the above, water restrictions will still continue in the evening, however, during the day water will be rationed for low lying areas so as to benefit high lying areas. Transgressions will attract a spot fine. This is only an attempt for us all to have a fair distribution of this important resource, the Chris Hani District Municipality said.
(Image of Berry Dam: Supplied by CHDM)
