Update

GEORGE NEWS -The Garden Route Dam level has increased from 99.28% the previous week to 99.37%, following 17 mm of rainfall recorded during the past week.

Despite the high dam level, current daily water demand stands at 36.5 million litres, slightly above the target of 36 million litres per day.

The municipality’s latest figures show that the dam has approximately 42 weeks of water supply remaining. This calculation includes only water that can be pumped and treated, excluding water below the intake and treatment level.

Haarlem Dam is above full capacity, standing at 101.07%, compared with 100.95% the previous week. It recorded 22 mm of rainfall during the reporting period.

Although the figures indicate healthy dam levels, residents are encouraged to continue using water responsibly and to report leaks or suspected misuse of drinking water.

How much water do we use every day?

The Garden Route Dam’s current daily demand of 36.5 million litres is equivalent to approximately 36.5 million one-litre bottles of water every day.

Even small changes in household water use can make a difference when multiplied across thousands of homes.

Here are a few interesting facts about water and everyday consumption:

• A dripping tap adds up: A tap that drips once per second can waste thousands of litres of water over a year, depending on the size of each drip.

• Shorter showers save water: A standard showerhead uses approximately 9 litres per minute, although actual consumption varies. Cutting a 10-minute shower to five minutes could save around 45 litres per shower at that flow rate.

• Fixing leaks matters: A leaking toilet can waste substantial amounts of treated drinking water, sometimes without being immediately noticeable.

• Water is constantly recycled by nature: The water we use today moves through the water cycle, evaporating, forming clouds and returning as precipitation. However, clean, accessible drinking water still requires reliable rainfall, storage, treatment and distribution.

• Not all water in a full dam is usable: Water below the level of a dam’s intake cannot necessarily be pumped into the treatment system. This is why the municipality’s estimate of remaining supply focuses on water that can be pumped and treated.

The latest statistics serve as a reminder that healthy dam levels and responsible consumption must go hand in hand to support a reliable water supply for the Garden Route.

Residents can report water leaks to George Municipality on 044 801 9262 or 044 801 9266, or after hours on 044 801 6300. Suspected misuse of drinking water can be reported on 044 801 6350.

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