GEORGE NEWS - The low rainfall conditions are expected to persist during the spring (September to November) in the southwestern parts of the country, according to a seasonal climate watch issued last week by the SA Weather Service.
It recommends that current drought measures continue for the foreseeable future, given the current strain on water resources in the southwestern parts of the country and "seemingly no significant rainfall activities during spring".
The north-eastern parts of the country, however, have an increased chance for above-normal rainfall between spring and late spring (October to December).
Temperatures are expected to be largely above normal for most parts of the country during the spring and early summer periods.
MM urges public to conserve water
George Municipal Manager Trevor Botha expressed disappointment about the poor outlook. "George Municipality and Council urge citizens - households and businesses alike - to continue implementing all water-saving measures possible."
He said irrespective of dam levels, the citizens of George and the Garden Route should consider water conservation a permanent environmental reality of an expanding region.
"The road towards water restriction-free conditions is very long, and the drought is far from broken. In fact, we are asking all citizens to make water saving a permanent part of their lifestyle. Our town is growing and water usage will be impacted no matter how many measures we put in place. If we all want to keep living here, we must all work towards the town's water security," he said.
Dam level keeps falling
The latest dam level released by the municipality yesterday, Wednesday 6 September, is 42,5%. It fell by 0,81% from last week. Residents' daily usage is 28 megalitres, still higher than the target of 23 megalitres. Five months of water is left at the current usage.
Botha made a plea to residents to adhere to basic measures such as not letting the tap run while brushing your teeth, using collected shower and bath water to flush the toilet, and checking all outside and inside taps for leaks.
"If done collectively by all the citizens of George, it will make a difference in the daily water demand of the city."
Currently, Section 2C restrictions are applicable and households are limited to 15 kilolitres per month. Gardens may only be watered using watering cans or buckets, any time of the day, and you may only wash your car using a bucket.
Report water leaks, burst pipes and other water-related concerns to the Civil Engineering Department on 044 801 9262 or after hours on 044 801 6300. Contraventions of water restrictions can be reported on 044 801 6350.
Read previous articles:
• Beheerde brand in damopvangsgebied
• Garden Route dam level update
ARTICLE: ALIDA DE BEER, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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