GEORGE NEWS - A question on many Georgians' lips amid the rapidly declining water level of the Garden Route Dam (47,88% on Wednesday 7 December) and tighter water restrictions, is if the grey water filtration plant is in use.
According to Civil Engineering Services director Jannie Koegelenberg, the Garden Route Dam level is already lower than in the previous 10 years for this time of year.
The ultrafiltration plant was erected during the 2010 drought to supplement water supply. It treats effluent from the Outeniqua wastewater treatment works before it is pumped to the dam.
It treats water to the required standard for indirect re-use (not potable standard, but to supplement raw water supply).
Koegelenberg says the plant is currently not operational, but they intend to refurbish it. "The technology is outdated, and the membranes need to be replaced. These have a normal lifespan of approximately five years, possibly a bit longer under ideal operating conditions.
"The pump station that pumps the treated effluent to the Garden Route Dam was severely vandalised earlier in the year and various components stolen and will also require refurbishment. The refurbishment is a priority as this flow supplements the raw water for George."
He says the below average rainfall of the past few months, and the low rainfall predictions for the next few months coupled with increasing potable water demand are a significant concern.
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