GEORGE NEWS - Although water was let out of the Garden Route Dam to allow for the construction on the spillway to begin in May, water restrictions are still in place.

According to Chantel Edwards-Klose, communications chief of George Municipality, the dam level is being kept at a maximum of 75% in order to facilitate the construction project. 

"The municipality will continue to monitor and manage the dam level closely during the project period."

She said it was not necessary to reduce the dam level after the recent rainfall when 47mm was measured from 28 September to 2 October. "The dam project remains on target for completion within the planned timeframe."

She said water restrictions remain in place in accordance with a Council decision on 29 August last year. 

"A formal public notification with regard to any change in the restrictions will be issued if required due to a change in the water situation. The Western Cape remains a drought stricken region with a number of towns declaring drought and implementing water restrictions in recent months."

She added that, presently, the water restrictions for George do not have any punitive financial implications for consumers.

Section 2B water restrictions apply:

• Handheld watering of gardens using a hose and municipal water: even-numbered households Mondays and Thursdays, 15:00 to 17:00 and uneven-numbered households Tuesdays and Fridays, 15:00 to 17:00.
• Mechanical irrigation of gardens (sprayers) using municipal water is prohibited.
• Watering sports fields using municipal water is prohibited, except for golf course greens, bowling greens and cricket pitches, daily from 19:00 to 21:00.
• Filling up of swimming pools using municipal water is prohibited.
• Washing cars with a hose using municipal water is prohibited (buckets allowed), except for commercial car washes.
• Cleaning of outside surfaces using a hosepipe with municipal water is prohibited (buckets allowed).
• 'OWN WATER' signage must be displayed where applicable and must be proven on request by municipal officials.

Applications for exemption of some restrictions may be considered on merit.

Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262 or after hours to 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

Report contraventions of water restrictions on 0800 424 277.

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