Hosepipes allowed from 15:00 to 17:00

GEORGE NEWS - The George mayoral committee amended the current 2B water restrictions on Thursday 19 July.

Watering of gardens by handheld hosepipe is now allowed between 15:00 and 17:00 due to the shorter winter daylight hours. Even-numbered households may water their gardens on Mondays and Thursdays, and uneven-numbered households on Tuesdays and Fridays. Watering cans may be used at any time.

The Garden Route dam level measured 79,8% on 19 July while the water usage remains high at 27,99 megalitres per day.

The Western Cape remains a declared drought disaster area despite recent rainfall and all municipalities in the province must comply with its stipulations. Most significantly, all municipalities should aim to reduce overall consumption by 40%, irrespective of their individual water status. For George that means a target of 22 megalitres per day, which is much lower than the average since restrictions were introduced in June 2017.

"We ask that residents not become complacent. The annual average rainfall in George for 2016 and 2017 was below the expected average (727mm per year) with rainfall of 626mm recorded in 2016 and 671mm recorded in 2017.

The Garden Route Dam is showing a steady decline of between 1,5% and 2% per week, with the coming months historically reflecting the lowest dam levels," said municipal manager Trevor Botha. "Despite the Western Cape being blessed with long-awaited rain, Cape Town and other towns in the Western Cape remain under stringent water restrictions."

The 2B water restrictions applicable to George are as follows:

Watering of gardens using a handheld hose and municipal water: Even-numbered households: Mondays and Thursdays, 15:00-17:00. Uneven-numbered households: Tuesdays and Fridays, 15:00-17:00.

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 15:00-17:00.

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 and the application forms can be obtained from the department of civil engineering services.

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