Special Council held on Friday 12 April 2024 resolved that, as of May 1, 2024, water restrictions in George will be eased from Level 2C to Level 2B. This means that emergency tariffs will no longer apply, and standard water tariffs will be charged.
Background
Stricter water restrictions were implemented in December 2022 due to the existing Water Treatment Works’ inability to meet the demand for drinking water. To address this, a temporary water purification package plant capable of treating 5Ml/day was installed. This plant served as a supplement during periodic shutdowns of the existing Water Treatment Works for maintenance, upgrades, and the ongoing construction of the new 20Ml Water Treatment Works plant.
Upgrades in Progress
The George Municipality received a Budget Facility for Infrastructure Funding (BFI) grant of R1.107 billion from the National Treasury in the 2021/22 financial year. The project, consisting of 12 different components, is expected to be completed within the next two years. The BFI project allows for the extension of George’s water treatment capacity over two phases spanning three years (2022 – 2025). Phase 2 entails an additional 20 Mℓ/day extension to the New George Water Treatment Works (WTW), and Phase 3 involves constructing an additional 30 Mℓ balancing dam at the New George Water Treatment Works (WTW).
The water restrictions imposed in December 2022 have been maintained up till now to manage the water demand, especially during frequent WTW shutdowns required for BFI construction. The package plant will continue operating until the completion, commissioning, and operation of the new 20Ml/day plant. The progress of the 20Ml/day extension will be reassessed again later this year, together with the possible impact of the seasonal peak for 2024/25 and the ongoing population growth in George taken into account. If necessary, stricter water restrictions will have to again be reintroduced.
Monitoring Raw Water Resources
Raw water resources, affected by increased demand and drier than usual conditions will continue to be closely monitored. Despite the Garden Route Dam being refilled to 100% capacity due to unusually heavy rainfall last week on April 9, this does not influence the decision to ease existing restrictions. Water remains a scarce resource that must be protected and preserved at all costs.
Level 2B Water Restrictions effective from May 1, 2024, in the George city area, and not in Uniondale and Haarlem:
1. The mechanical irrigation of gardens with municipal potable water is prohibited.
2. Gardens may be watered at any time using a handheld bucket.
3. Gardens may be watered using a handheld garden hose only within specified time frames.
- From September 1 to April 30: 18:00 to 20:00
- From May 1 to August 31: 17:00 to 19:00
- For retirement villages and facilities: 16:00 to 18:00 throughout the year
- Even numbered households: Mondays and Thursdays
- Uneven numbered households: Tuesdays and Fridays4. The irrigation or watering of all sport fields is prohibited, except for specific instances.
5. The washing of vehicles with a garden hose, except by commercial enterprises, is prohibited.
6. The cleaning of ANY area by means of water is prohibited.
7. The filling of swimming pools is prohibited, with exceptions subject to approved exemption applications.
8. Where own water from a borehole or reservoir is used, appropriate notices shall be displayed.
9. Applications for exemptions are to be submitted for approval.
