The eThekwini Municipality is appealing to residents to continue using water sparingly as the current status of the Hazelmere dam level is sitting at 35.06 percent and the water level is dropping consistently.

According to a statement released by the municipality it has had to operationally shut down certain reservoirs on the northern region.

“Despite our appeal urging customers to save water, consumers have not heeded our call to conserve water in the predicament that we currently face,” says eThekwini spokesperson Tozi Mthethwa.

“It must also be noted that the recent rainfall did not make any positive impact on the level of Hazelmere dam,” Mthethwa added.

The municipality says Umgeni Water is monitoring storage dams closely and advising them accordingly regarding action to be taking.

The municipality has urged the public to take active steps to save water.

Twelve water saving tips for KZN residents

1. Do not water the garden

2. Avoid washing cars if possible or wash using bucket water instead of hose pipe

3. Do not fill the swimming pools

4. Do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth or for any other activities

5. A 2 minutes shower is better that bathing in a bath tub

6. Instead of washing clothes everyday with half load, wash every alternate day with a full load

7. When washing vegetables, wash them in a dish, instead of washing vegetables under running water

8. Read your meter on a daily basis to ensure there are no internal leaks in your property

9. If you’re going away close the main valve

10. When washing dishes do not use running water, rather fill the basin

11. Report leaks to our call centre;

12. Use water sparingly and wisely, do not waste water in any way.

Residents have been advised to check which areas within the eThekwini Municipality are affected by the severe drought conditions: http://bit.ly/1t0PGtf