More than 30 Western Cape towns ill have to use their water sparingly this summer. This follows the decision by the Provincial Government to implement proactive water restrictions. There are various levels of restrictions with Six being the highest and One, the lowest.

He said, “We urge residents and visitors to familiarize themselves with restrictions that apply locally and to please adhere to them.”

More than 30 towns in the Western Cape will have to use their water sparingly this summer

The Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell says the implementation of the restrictions is done to address the anticipated hot and dry summer months ahead, as predicted by the South African Weather Services. He says they cannot control the weather, but they can control how to manage available water resources.

“The various levels of water restrictions are not uniform as each municipality follows its own guidelines in this regard,” Bredell added.

 

Western Cape Municipalities implement proactive water restrictions

He says it’s the responsibility of all municipalities to manage their water supply and to ensure that their water infrastructure is maintained to ensure sufficient storage capacity, safe quality water, and to avoid leaks throughout the distribution system. Bredell says to fund this, municipalities need to ensure all water supplied to residents are correctly billed and paid for.

Water restrictions to ensure water security throughout summer months

Level 6 restrictions are in place for the following towns: Dysselsdorp and De Rust

Level 4 restrictions are currently in place for the following towns:

Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Kurland Village, Natures Valley, Witsand, Calitzdorp, Van Wyksdorp, Ladismith and Zoar.

Level 3 restrictions are in place for:

Swellendam, Beaufort West, Albertinia, Heidelberg, Slangrivier and Jongensfontein.

Level 2 restrictions are in place for:

George, Gouritsmond, Stilbaai, Melkhoutfontein and Riversdale.

Level 1 restrictions are in place for:

Lamberts Bay, Citrusdal, Robertson, Aston, Montague, Bonnievale, McGregor, Worcester, Rawsonville, Touwsriver and De Doorns

“If we all save water there will be enough for everyone,” Minister Bredell said.

Monitoring the water status across the province

At the same time, the Provincial Department of Local Government is monitoring the water status across the province closely. According to the department, the following towns currently pose the highest risk in terms of water security: Knysna, Calitzdorp, Van Wyksdorp, Ladismith, Zoar Witsand, Dysselsdorp and De Rust. Bredell has stressed that the water restrictions will help to ensure water security throughout the summer months.