The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is tightening water restrictions for domestic and agricultural use in the Western Cape.

According to a statement, the department has gazetted a further 20% of water restrictions as a precautionary measure to decrease the amount of water use from the system, in response to the prevailing drought in the region.

The department explained that the combined water levels of the dams within the Western Cape Water Supply System are at 37.14% as of 3 October 2017. As such it is implementing a 20 to 40% restriction on all domestic and industrial use while agricultural use will face 30 – 50% restrictions.

Securing basic water services

“While these are precautionary restrictions intended at limiting the taking of water by all users, members of the public are encouraged to continue using water with extra caution,” the department said.

DWS Western Cape Provincial Head, Rashid Khan added these new restrictions allow the department to avoid day zero, which refers to the day water availability equates to zero supply.

“I urge all Water Services Authorities to ensure that all domestic users at least have access to basic water services,” he said.

The department said restrictions would be lifted once the Western Cape Water Supply System reaches above 85% of the dam storage.

“The Department would like to remind all water users that efforts to save should be adhered to and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the little water that we have is conserved at all times,” the department concluded.