The water crisis in the Eastern Cape municipality of Makana is so dire that it will now start implementing water rationing measures.

Acting spokesperson Anele Mjekula said on Wednesday that ongoing drought meant dam levels on the western side of Makana – which include Settlers, Jameson and Howiesons Poort dams – have dropped below abstraction point.

“Supply to the Makana system is now wholly dependent on the small amount of water provided by the newly connected boreholes and what is produced at the James Kleynhans water treatment works,” added Mjekula.

In order to maintain equitable levels across all the city’s reservoirs, they have implement water rationing, with phase one set to be implemented with immediate effect.

Mjekula added escalating the levels would be communicated at an appropriate time.

“We are pleading with the community to continue to use water sparingly and that residents adhere to the restriction of 25l per person per day to a maximum of four people per household.”

Water rationing has been dived into three phases:

• Phase one: No water on Sunday
• Phase two: No Sunday supply and the water supply is restricted to between 6am and 6pm daily
• Phase three: No water on Sunday and Wednesday as well as restrictions between 6am and 6pm daily

Mjekula added residents were urged to use water sparingly and apply the restriction of 25 litre per person per day, for a maximum of four people per household.