Update

GEORGE NEWS - There is good news for George's water supply this week, with the Garden Route Dam remaining at a healthy 100% following 6.4mm of rainfall recorded over the past seven days.

But while the dam is full, water demand is still just above the municipality's target. Current daily demand stands at 36.2 million litres (ML), compared with the target of 36ML per day.

Haarlem Dam is at 100.95%, down from 111.35% in the previous update, with 1mm of rain recorded in the area over the past week.

The numbers are encouraging, but a full dam is not a reason to stop being water-wise. George remains a water-scarce area, and keeping daily consumption close to - or below - the municipal target helps protect the town's water security. 

Previous municipal guidance has also stressed that healthy dam levels do not remove the need for responsible water use.

Five clever ways to save water this week

Forget the idea that saving water always means taking another minute off your shower. There are plenty of small changes around the home that can add up.

1. Give your kettle a reality check

Only boil the amount of water you actually need.

It is an easy habit to overlook, particularly when making tea or coffee for one or two people. Filling the kettle to the top each time means heating – and potentially wasting - more water than necessary.

2. Let the weather do some of the watering

With rain forecast for George on Wednesday, hold off on watering outdoor plants and gardens if rain is on the way.

Rather than watering according to a routine, check the soil first. If it is still damp a few centimetres below the surface, your plants may not need another drink.

Rainwater can also be collected for suitable garden uses, provided it is captured and stored safely.

3. Keep a jug of water in the fridge

Waiting for the tap to run cold can send perfectly good drinking water down the drain.

Instead, keep a jug or bottle of drinking water in the fridge. It is a particularly simple trick, but one that can save a surprising amount over time.

4. Don't automatically wash away the good stuff

Before reaching for the hose or tap to clean an outdoor area, ask whether it actually needs washing.

Sweeping leaves, dust and other loose debris from driveways, patios and pathways is usually enough for everyday maintenance. It keeps water out of the cleaning process altogether.

And if something does need washing, use the smallest practical amount of water rather than turning cleaning into a hosepipe job.

5. Water the soil, not the leaves

When watering is permitted, direct water towards the base of plants and the soil around their roots rather than spraying the entire plant.

Watering at the root zone means more of the water gets where it is needed and less is lost through evaporation or blown away.

A layer of mulch can also help soil retain moisture for longer, particularly as temperatures rise.

A useful week for gardeners

George's weather could also lend a hand this week.

Today, Tuesday 15 September, is expected to be relatively mild and warmer, with sunny periods and a high of around 22°C.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 16 September, brings a significant change, with periods of rain and much cooler conditions. The maximum temperature is expected to be around 14°C.

That means Wednesday could be a good day to leave the watering can alone and let the rain do the work.

For gardeners, the broader lesson is simple: don't water by the calendar – water according to what your garden actually needs. A cool, rainy day can buy your plants several days without additional watering, while mulch and healthy soil can help them hold on to that moisture for longer.

Full dam, but every drop still matters

The Garden Route Dam's 100% level is certainly welcome news for George residents. However, with daily consumption still sitting slightly above the 36ML target, there is still room for households to make a difference.

Previous George Municipality water guidance has emphasised that responsible consumption remains important even when dam levels are healthy. 

Level 2B restrictions have included a prohibition on mechanical or automatic garden irrigation and sprinkler systems, while permitted garden watering is subject to specified times and days.

So, while there is reason to feel positive about the water situation, the best time to develop good water-saving habits is when the taps are still running and the dams are full.

Garden Route Dam: 100%
Rainfall in George over past seven days: 6.4mm
Daily water demand: 36.2ML
Target daily demand: 36ML

Haarlem Dam: 100.95%
Rainfall at Haarlem: 1mm

Every litre saved today helps keep George's water resources healthier for the months ahead.

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