The dam levels in Makhanda West are at a critical level, despite the recent rain.
The Howiesonspoort dam level is at 29,3% and the Settlers dam at Grahamstown is at a mere 7,6%.
The Makana Municipality says when the Settlers dam level is at 7,4% it will not be possible to extract water, however, pumping from Howiesonspoort to the Waainek Water Works will continue until those pumps start cavitating as well.
Thereafter, the Waainek Water Works that is supplying water to Makhanda West will not be able to produce water for residents in the West.
Municipality spokesperson Anele Mjekula says they've put measures in place to curb water usage and to manage the scarce resource in the West.
He says if the current water usage continues they will have to continue water rationing between the East and the West, but water tanks will be provided.
Mjekula says if no good rains are received soon, it is anticipated that by the end of April, no water will be produced by Waainek.
He says the efforts by Gift of the Givers to drill for water have certainly helped with the dire situation in Makhanda but the best solution is rain.
