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NELSON MANDELA BAY RESIDENTS CAUTIONED TO KEEP THEIR WATER USAGE IN CHECK AS TEMPERATURES RISE

Published: January 09, 2025

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality is calling on residents to keep their water usage in check as the region is set to experience a high temperature season for the next two months, which usually results in high water usage.

Although the current dam levels are more than 80 percent, the current consumption is reason for concern.

February is usually the period in which the hottest days are recorded. Water consumption is usually at its highest during this time.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality still has water restrictions in place. In December the Council approved a change from Part C to B, considering the increase in dam levels.

"We are making a courtesy reminder to residents and businesses to keep their water usage in check. The high dam levels can make us think that we will never be in a crisis again, however if the consumption remains high, we will find ourselves exactly where we were. As a water scarce region, let’s adopt a water lifestyle, more especially during this time when we are losing water in out dams due to high temperatures,” said Member of the Mayoral Committee for Infrastructure and Engineering, Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya.

The current average water usage per date is at 348 Ml/d, indicating that quite often the average usage is above 340 Ml/d. This can already be attributed to the high seasonal temperatures that have been experienced over the December period and that is expected to continue for January and the larger part of February.

In terms of Section 4 of the Water Services Act 108 (No 108 of 1997) and Clause 31 of the Water and Sanitation Services By-Law, the following is currently being implemented:
  1. Schedule of water tariffs will be as follows:
          1.1.  Water usage for domestic usage be charged at Part B.
          1..2. Water usage for commercial, industrial and institutional to be charged at Part B.

    2Suggested targeted domestic water usage to be 50 litres per person per day.
    3Every domestic household with excessive water usage will have a water management device installed, replacing their water meter, to limit high water use.
    4. No use of municipal water supply is allowed to water gardens, wash cars, wash down walls or paving, or top up pools.
    5Water pressure in the water reticulation system will be reduced to an appropriate operating pressure at critical points in each pressure management zone.
    6All borehole users must register with the NMBM and must abide by all relevant legislative requirements (National Water Act and NMBM By-Laws). The selling of borehole water that was intended for on-site domestic use is illegal.
    7. No use of automatic urinal flushing systems allowed.
    8Targeted Municipal swimming pools will be allowed to be filled with Municipal water supply.
    9All requirements of the Water and Sanitation By-Law (copy on NMBM website) will be enforced. Specific reference must be noted when connecting plumbing from alternative water supply sources.
   10Every previous special concession falls away and reapplication must be made.  

The prohibitions contained in this notice shall not apply in any case specifically exempted, in writing, by the Executive Director: Infrastructure and Engineering. Notice boards must be prominently displayed where water from sources other than the Municipality’s water supply system is used. Landowners must notify the Infrastructure and Engineering Directorate in writing of the existence of boreholes on their property including the intention to sink new boreholes.

ATTP households will be provided with a water management device to replace their water meter should consumption be excessive, set at free basic water limit as approved by Council.
All water users are encouraged to:
  • Always use water sparingly.
  • Re-use and recycle water.
  • Check for any water leaks on your property by ensuring your water meter is not running when no water is used on the property. If it is running, you have a leak that you must repair to prevent any high-water bills.
  • Report water leaks to:
o0800 20 50 50 
oNMBM app
 o waterleaks@mandelametro.gov.za

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