Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Bitou Municipality has changed the level of its water restrictions from 'urgent' to 'Level one (moderate) drought restrictions', according to an updated notice by Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani.
However, the change affects mostly businesses and does not really bring relief for residents from the harsh restrictions announced in an earlier notice from Memani yesterday, with consumers still being urged to reduce consumption by 15%.
They were also warned that contravention of this prohibition constitutes a criminal offence.
Memani said the restrictions were triggered by the level of the Roodefontein Dam, one of the key suppliers of water to Plett, dropping below 80%. He said the restrictions are in line with Bitou Municipality's Drought Management Policy.
The use of water obtained from the municipality’s water supply system is limited for:
- watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas, flower beds, sports fields, bowling greens, golf greens and fairways, croquet lawns, turf wickets, ploughing fields and the like. These may only be watered twice a
- week for two hours per day
- topping up or filling fountains, ornamental ponds
- filling swimming and paddling pools
- washing paved areas, walls, roofs, buildings and similar structures
The use of municipal water and the operation of following is prohibited:
- Use of hosepipe
- sprinklers, sprinkler and drip systems
- automatic swimming pool fillers
- automatic urinal flushing systems
The updated notice listed the following exemptions:
- The use of reclaimed water or water obtained from sources other than the municipality's water supply system
- Watering gardens, lawns, grassed areas and flower beds by means of a hand-held container
- The use or operation of a hose pipe or sprinkler system for firefighting
- The filling of a new pool on completion of initial construction
- Commercial vehicle washing business where at least 70% of the water is recycle. Vehicle washing by means of a hand-held container is permitted.
- Watering of plants, trees and shrubs in commercial, state and municipal nurseries
- The filling of municipal swimming pools and swimming pools at hotels, fitness centres, medical care centres, schools, educational institutions and institutions of higher education
Notice boards must be prominently displayed where water from sources other than the municipality’s water supply system is used for irrigation.
"Land owners must notify the engineering services directorate in writing of the existence of boreholes on their property and landowners must apply to the Department of Water and Sanitation for the intention to sink boreholes and notify the Bitou Municipality,” reads the notice.
Previous article: Urgent water restrictions implemented in Plettenberg Bay
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