GEORGE NEWS - As of 1 May, water restrictions in George will be eased from Level 2C to Level 2B. This means that emergency tariffs will no longer apply, and standard water tariffs will be charged.
The decision was taken at a special council meeting on Friday 12 April.
Stricter water restrictions were implemented in December 2022 due to the existing water treatment works' inability to meet the demand for drinking water.
To address this, a temporary water purification package plant capable of treating 5Ml/day was installed.
This plant served as a supplement during periodic shutdowns of the existing water treatment works for maintenance, upgrades, and the ongoing construction of the new 20Ml water treatment works plant.
The extension of George's water treatment capacity is executed with funds from the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI) grant (R1,107b) received from National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year.
The BFI project allows for the extension of George's water treatment capacity over two phases spanning three years (2022 to 2025). Phase 2 entails an additional 20M/day extension to the new George water treatment works (WTW), and phase 3 involves constructing an additional 30M balancing dam at the new treatment works.
In a statement issued on Monday 15 April, the municipality said the water restrictions imposed in December 2022 have been maintained up till now to manage the water demand, especially during frequent WTW shutdowns required for BFI construction.
Seasonal peak and population growth
Municipal communications chief Chantèl Edwards said the package plant will continue operating until the completion, commissioning and operation of the new 20Ml/day plant. "The progress of this extension will be reassessed again later this year, together with the possible impact of the seasonal peak for 2024/25 and the ongoing population growth in George taken into account. If necessary, stricter water restrictions will have to be reintroduced."
Monitoring raw water resources
She said raw water resources, affected by increased demand and drier than usual conditions, will be closely monitored.
"Despite the Garden Route Dam being refilled to 100% capacity due to unusually heavy rainfall last week, this does not influence the decision to ease existing restrictions. Water remains a scarce resource that must be protected and preserved at all costs."
Level 2B water restrictions effective from 1 May in the George city area (not in Uniondale and Haarlem) are as follows:
1. The mechanical irrigation of gardens with municipal potable water is prohibited.
2. Gardens may be watered at any time using a handheld bucket.
3. Gardens may be watered using a handheld garden hose only within specified time frames:
- From 1 May to 31 August between 17:00 and 19:00
- From 1 September to 30 April between 18:00 and 20:00
- For retirement villages and facilities: 16:00 to 18:00 throughout the year
- Even numbered households: Mondays and Thursdays
- Uneven numbered households: Tuesdays and Fridays
4. The irrigation or watering of all sport fields is prohibited, except for specific instances.
5. The washing of vehicles with a garden hose, except by commercial enterprises, is prohibited.
6. The cleaning of any area (inside and outside) using a hose is prohibited.
7. The filling of swimming pools is prohibited, with exceptions subject to approved exemption applications.
8. Where own water from a borehole or reservoir is used, appropriate notices shall be displayed.
9. Applications for exemptions are to be submitted for approval.
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