The Department of Water and Sanitation has issued a safety warning to communities in Mpumalanga as it plans to conduct a water transfer to the Morgenstond and Grootdraai Dam, on Tuesday 30 June 2015.

The department will pump water from Heyshope Dam to the Geelhoutboom station to transfer to the Morgenstond and Grootdraai Dams which are very low due to the dry season and poor rainfall levels.

The Geelhoutboom pump station was strategically built to pump water to the Morgenstond and Grootdraai Dams during dry periods.

“The DWS would like to request those communities, especially farmers and farm communities, close to the canal and river to be cautious and apply all relevant safety measures as the volume of water in the canal and river will be increased during the transfers,” says Sputnik Ratau, department spokesperson.

“The Department would also like to warn those who might be tempted to divert, impede or tamper with the flow of the water that they will be dealt with in terms of the National Water Act, (Act 36 of 1998) Section 21 as they will be interfering with the objectives of the transfers,” he adds.

The department is also urging communities to use water sparingly and efficiently as the country is currently experiencing a serious drought.

“Water conservation is key as every drop counts, especially now during this critical drought period,” concludes Ratau.