Move over Cape Town. Nelson Mandela Bay could soon be declared a disaster area as the ongoing water crisis worsens.

According to City Mayor Athol Trollip, despite water savings, the city is running out of water which could spell catastrophe for the region. Nelson Mandela Bay’s dam level capacity is sitting at a meagre 46.91% and reports suggest the metro could run out of water by June if there is no relief. Should dam levels drop below 45%, the metro could apply to have the region declared a disaster area.

While citizens have made good efforts to conserve water, even more savings are needed and Trollip warns that the municipality could increase water restrictions and impose punitive charges for high water consumption.

The region is also losing between 20% and 25% of its potable water through leaks, and although the number of leaks reported has increased significantly, the municipality has not had the capacity to address these timeously. Efforts are underway to decrease the backlog of leak repairs.