EThekwini restricts water to make consumers aware of shortage

while addressing a discussion on shortages at the Durban Exhibition Centre. He claimed its recent campaigns had done little to solve water wastage.

“We spent so much trying to warn people and getting the message to them through print, broadcasting and other means of communication, but people did not listen. We then sat down and decided to respond to the problem in another way. Hazelmere Dam treatment plant, operated by Umgeni Water, is pumping water into it from Tongaat River, which has kept the water level from dropping as it used to,” said Msweli.

Consumers have been warned to expect more restrictions, with the province not getting the rainfall needed to boost dam levels.

“The water level is at 31 percent, but it should be at 80 percent. However, with all the restrictions in place, the situation is better. We need at least fives days of rain consecutively and, unfortunately, that hasn’t happened,” he said.

Dr Stanley Liphadzi of the Water Research Commission, said municipalities should start planning properly and investing in research.

He said research was the foundation of all progress, even the development of com- puters, and it was important that the government dedicated time and resources to plot a way forward in dealing with water shortages.

“We need innovative strategies to respond to the problem, and the government needs to do research and help predict accurately what is going to

happen next,” Dr Liphadzi said. Water saving tips Do:

Fix leaking taps, toilets and pipes.

Use a watering can when watering the garden.

Re-use water for flushing toilets. Collect rainwater. Plant indigenous plants. Conduct awareness to save water. Don’t Leave taps running. Use a hose to wash your

car.

Leave taps running when brushing your teeth.

Overfill the bath, rather take a quick shower.

Allow overgrowth of weeds as they consume a lot of water.