By Levy Masiteng
Water demand in eThekwini is exceeding available supply.
According to the national Water and Sanitation Department, the municipality has reached the limit of water that could be drawn from the dams.
It was, therefore, essential to conserve water to help the city manage through periods of low rainfall.
The deputy head of the city’s water and sanitation unit, Simon Scruton, warned that the water systems were stretched to their limit, and any breakdowns would immediately be felt by residents.
“When the water comes back online after a breakdown, it takes time for the systems to recharge and recover. It is therefore preferable to keep the available supply consistently at lower demand levels rather than that at high demand levels, “ he said.
Scruton has signed an agreement for the construction of the Umkhomazi water scheme that will help deal with the shortage.
“We have five bulk water schemes that are in the design and construction phase.
These five schemes will add 550 megalitres (ML/day) of water per day to the existing 1100Ml/day that is currently being supplied to business and residents (50 percent increase),” he said.
This additional supply would adequately supply eThekwini with bulk water until 2060.
Even though several measures to enhance water security were being implemented, Scruton urged residents and businesses to play their part by reducing their water usage.
The department required residents to regularly check their meters, fix leaks and restrict flow to save water.
“The current available water in the system is sufficient, but problems are being experienced as a lot is being wasted,” Scruton said.
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