WATER SUPPLY SEVERELY AFFECTED BY FLOODING

Due to the extensive flooding, the municipality is currently facing numerous challenges regarding the water supply in Bonnievale, Ashton, and Montagu.

Bonnievale

Water is normally abstracted from both the canal (40 l/s) and the Breede River Pump Station (20–30 l/s), depending on demand. Currently, water can only be abstracted from the canal, and the available volume has been reduced to approximately 20 l/s due to damage to the canal inlet and sections of the canal infrastructure.

The Water User Association is working to implement temporary repairs in order to increase the water supply to the treatment works. More information regarding progress is expected by the end of the day.

The Bonnievale Breede River Pump Station was also damaged during the flooding event and repairs will commence as soon as possible. At this stage, the timeframe for repairs cannot yet be confirmed.

There is currently insufficient water available to supply all residents. Water trucks are therefore being deployed to affected areas where supply interruptions are being experienced.

Ashton and Montagu

Ashton and Montagu receive the majority of their water supply from the Breede River Pump Station as well as the CBR system. Both pump stations have been flooded, and the associated electrical infrastructure has sustained severe damage. As a result, water cannot currently be pumped from these sources.

Limited raw water is currently in storage. Residents are urgently requested to reduce water usage drastically in order to help maintain supply until repairs have been completed.