The Harry Gwala District Municipality has announced major water restrictions as the drought intensifies in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ixopo dam has become the latest to reach a critically low level of 30% and necessary restrictions in the distribution of water have started in Harry Gwala District.

Areas to be affected by the restrictions include Ixopo town, Morningside, Fairview and Hospital areas. The water restrictions are being implemented to mitigate the risk to supply assurance in the short term and to prevent taps from running dry.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube said water production in the Ixopo dam will be reduced from 2.8Ml/d to 2.5Ml/d as of Wednesday.

MEC Dube-Ncube said Harry Gwala District has been in discussions with farmers, who have three dams, to release water immediately. However, the MEC said that even with that plan, it is necessary to implement water restrictions until the situation returns to normality.

She said the current drought requires all citizens of the province to play their part in conserving water as government cannot conserve do it alone.

“The department has contingency plans to ensure that no resident will go without water even when the taps begin to run dry. We need to save every drop because as of now every drop of water counts.

“The effects of climate change are with us as evidenced by the below average rainfall received during the winter season, which has left a number of dams almost dry. KZN is on the red-code in as far as water is concerned and drastic interventions are being undertaken to manage the drought crisis,” said MEC Dube-Ncube.

Provincial department teams will be moving between affected areas to monitor water usage. Water efficiency and water use educational programmes are also being rolled out intensively.

The department thanked all those who have made lifestyle changes to reduce their water consumption. Households and businesses are encouraged to implement various measures, which include the re-use of water.