There is lesser water to supply the influx of visitors expected to descend on small towns in the Southern Cape, this December.
The Bitou Municipality imposed Level 3 Water Restrictions, but said in a statement, there is a rising heat wave, which places significant pressure on water supply.
As of Friday, the main dam supplying the town of Plettenberg Bay, the Roodefontein Dam stood at 40.4%, while the flow at the Keurbooms River was measured at 230 liters per second.
Chris Mapeyi, the Acting Municipal Manager, said the municipality’s public showers at all beaches have been switched off, to conserve much-needed water.
He also urged residents to fix leaks promptly and close taps when not in use.
Similarly, the Garden Route dam, supplying George, is around 49% full.
The town has imposed Level 2 water restrictions, limiting households to 15 kilolitres of water per month.
Knysna’s water crisis has deepened, with the main dam (Akkerkloof Dam), at only 27% full.
Severer restrictions at Level 4 are in place.
To cope with the high demand, despite restrictions, the Municipality has installed new pumps and repaired leaks. Other interventions include the Knysna Reverse Osmosis Plant.
Picture: Supplied