Update
GEORGE NEWS - The DRINKING WATER supply in the reservoirs serving George is shrinking by the minute following three major pipe bursts since yesterday (Monday 28 December).
DRINKING WATER CAPACITY AS AT 13:30 TODAY:
The George Municipality calculated the available drinking water this morning at 08:00 at 61Ml, inclusive of the Malgas line's 18 Ml. With the Malgas repair now delayed again, there is only 43 Ml supply of drinking water in our reservoirs and the current daily demand is approximately 36 Ml.
This means that George has less than two days' water supply left.
This has made the situation even more urgent and the municipality again pleads with residents to heed their call to use water sparingly – don’t wash your car today, delay doing your washing, do not water your garden.
Residents and visitors to George are urgently requested to USE WATER SPARINGLY over the next 48 hours as the pipebursts will affect water supply to a large portion of the city.
GARDEN ROUTE DAM RAW WATER PIPELINE
The Garden Route Dam raw water GRP pipeline (700mm) that feeds the balancing dams burst early this morning. This pipeline is the main supply of raw water to our balancing dams which in turn provides raw water to the Water Treatment Works for purification. This pipeline burst has a major impact on the water supply for the entire city.
Repairs at the Garden Route Dam are progressing well with a contractor on site, together with additional assistance from Working on Fire officials. The Garden Route pipeline requires specialist knowledge in terms of repair work.
BLANCO DRINKING (POTABLE) WATER PIPELINE
The Blanco drinking water pipeline (450mm) burst 24 hours ago and has subsequently been repaired twice, it has now burst again for a third time at 2am this morning (29 December) and the municipal team is on site. The estimated time of repair is late this afternoon. Currently Blanco is being supplied with water from a smaller 200mm supplementary pipeline. Water Trucks (drinking water) are in place. Details below.
MALGAS RAW WATER PIPELINE
The Malgas raw water (500mm) pipeline that pumps raw water from the Malgas River to the balancing dam was fully repaired and in the process of being reopened. A second burst has however halted the process and this setback means that the final repair will be delayed again by 24 hours.
PLEASE ONLY USE WATER FOR ABSOLUTE NECESSITIES
The municipality has with immediate effect started throttling reservoir supply with water balancing and residents will note that water pressure is affected. As the full network slows down there is the possibility that the outer lying areas will experience no water at all.
WHERE TO REPORT
If you have NO water please call the Garden Route Disaster Management Call Centre (24/7) on 044 805 5071 or George Municipal Civil Engineering Services Call Centre 044 801 9262/6 – please provide contact details, street address and time when water supply stopped. PLEASE DO NOT REPORT LOW WATER PRESSURE – this is to be expected and we are fully aware of the issue.
WATER TRUCKS are stationed at:
- Millies Superette
- Blanco Community Hall
- Redberry Farm turnoff for surrounding residents
- Fancourt
- Cnr of Vrugte and Violet Street
A further update will be provided at 18:00.
Civil Engineering Services continues to appeal to the public who are aware of or see any visible water from what appears to be a burst pipe, to urgently report to 044 8019262/6 so that we can inspect and assess as quickly as possible.
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