Use water sparingly

THE Western Cape is a winter rainfall region with dry summers. For the past three seasons there has been a prolonged and lower-than-normal rainfall which has caused water stressed conditions in some areas across the Western Cape Province.

As we are fast approaching the end of the rainy season it is a concern that the rains which fell in our catchments during the winter season did not make much impact, as water levels in the province improved very slightly.

Spring/summer seasons in particular are the periods where we experience increase in volume of domestic water usage across the Western Cape. This challenge is attributed to the rise in temperatures and less rainfall. Communities tend to mitigate the spring/summer scorching sun by frequently using their swimming pools. Those who do not have swimming pools, often use hosepipes as a means of cooling themselves. In some communities one often sees children playing in the streets with hosepipes without realising they are wasting water. Given the prevailing drought, these activities cannot be left uncontrolled as they lead to severe water wastage.

Understandably, the beginning of these seasons will, from time to time, lead to severe hot weather conditions, however, as Government we appeal to communities to exercise extra caution when using water during such seasons. In order to conserve water, communities are encouraged to prepare for these seasons in advance. The department calls on all users to make lifestyle changes to reduce water consumption, to stretch the water to last beyond these seasons.