Water restrictions have been imposed on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where there has been little rain and river water levels are low.
The north coast — particularly the Tongaat area — was being closely monitored, eThekwini municipality water and sanitation head Neil Macleod said on Tuesday, appealing to residents to use water sparingly.
In areas south of the Mkomazi River, all garden or plant watering devices and the washing of cars by hose was being prohibited, he said.
Water restrictions will be imposed on Umkomaas, Craigieburn, Widenham, Clansthal and Magabeni.
He said sparse rain a week ago had not helped fill the Mkomazi river, which was at an all-time low.
”Since the dam levels are so dangerously low, we need to cut consumption levels and need your co-operation during this time,” Macleod implored.
”Please take it seriously, since we would hate to impose water rationing at a later stage,” he added.
Water restrictions had been in place in Kokstad, southern KwaZulu-Natal, since the start of 2004 and there had been no rain or snow there so far this year, said Sosonke municipal manager, Nhlanhla Mabaso.
”In fact the situation was so bad that we got money from government to build another dam this year.”
Although this had helped, restrictions had not been lifted yet because temperatures were already high and conditions very dry even though it was not yet summer, Mabaso said. – Sapa