GEORGE NEWS - Welcome rain has brought some relief and subsequent inflow has raised the water level of the Garden Route Dam by 16,13% since early last month.

On Tuesday 10 January, the percentage storage stood at 64,01% (up from 60,95% last week and 47,88% in the first week of December). 

The levels are according to the raised dam wall height and are provided by the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation.

Georgians were thankful for some heavy downpours on Thursday and Friday last week which brought the rainfall for the first week of January to 69mm.

According to George Municipality's communications chief Chantèl Edwards, 32,5mm was measured from 19 to 31 December. This was preceded by 123,4mm between 12 and 19 December.

The more stringent water restrictions announced last month remain in place. Each household is limited to 15kl per month and other users and businesses must reduce their usage by 15% of their average consumption over the six months up to December.

Responding to a query regarding the implementation of the 15kl limit at flats and apartments, Edwards said they are not treated as normal residential units that are metered separately. "Most blocks or complexes would have a bulk meter. The body corporate is required to manage individual usage on the property, if they do have individual water meters that they read, and if not, by other means. Households for duet and free-standing houses in complexes would each have their own water meter."

To view the restrictions, go to https://www.george.gov.za/george-doc-categories/public-notices/general/.

Contraventions of the water restrictions can be reported on 0800 424477. Fines and/or six months imprisonment will apply.

Report water leaks and burst pipes on 044 801 9262/66 or after hours on 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.

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