The eThekwini Municipality has cautioned residents, especially those in the outer West areas, to use water sparingly.

This is as a result of the lower than normal supply of water to these areas according to the municipality.

“An investigation is currently underway to determine the reason for the decreased supply from Umgeni Water Services,” the municipality said.

“As the City experiences high temperatures, the demand for water also increases and residents are urged to ensure that they use water responsibly,” the municipality noted.

The municipality has called on residents to check all faucets and pipes for leaks and report them in addition to using other water saving tips to help drive down consumption.

Water restrictions

Meanwhile Umgeni Water has announced 15% water restrictions on its website. “Parts of Umgeni Water’s operational area are still in a state of drought, a consequence of the El Nino effect. The affected areas are eThekwini, parts of iLembe District, Ixopo and uMgungundlovu District. Much of eThekwini and uMgungundlovu, including Pietermaritzburg, receive their water from the Mgeni system.

“The Mgeni system (Midmar Dam, Spring Grove Dam, Mearns Dams, Albert Falls Dam, Nagle Dam and Inanda Dam) has experienced below average rainfall over the past 30 months, resulting in some of these dams remaining consistently at low levels. It is as a result of inadequate rainfall and concerns over the levels of Midmar and Albert Falls dams that mandatory water restrictions of 15% have been implemented.”