GANSBAAI – The Overstrand Municipality has been forced to implement urgent water restrictions in the areas of Pearly Beach and Eluxolweni. The restrictions will remain in place until further notice.
This decision comes as dam levels drop drastically due to an ongoing heatwave and increased water consumption. Despite residents being warned about the high water usage compared to the same period in 2023, consumption has not decreased.
The Pearly Beach Dam, in particular, has gone from 75% capacity to a worrying 25% as scorching temperatures persist. The municipality expresses concern that the dam could dry up completely before the rainy season.
“The current situation demands immediate action. We need to make this limited water resource stretch as far as possible,” said Overstrand Municipal Manager Dean O’Neill.
The water restrictions will prohibit the following:
- Watering of gardens and lawns with municipal water
- Filling of pools with municipal water
- Washing vehicles with municipal water hoses
Homes using alternate water sources like boreholes or well points will need to display clear signage stating this.
O’Neill reminds residents that water restrictions are crucial, especially as the upcoming school holidays and the Easter weekend could put further strain on resources.
While other areas in the Overstrand are not currently under restrictions, the water services by-law disallowing irrigation between 9:00 and 17:00 will remain in effect to reduce water loss through evaporation.