The Western Cape government has urged local municipalities to ensure that it has contingencies measures in place as load shedding threatens sewerage station’s ability to function optimally.

Speaking in an emergency briefing, MEC for Local Government and Environmental Affairs Anton Bredell says despite most towns having a 48-hour potable water reserve, the reality remains that pumps won’t fully replenish reserves in the available hours where electricity is accessible.

Sewerage systems rely on a continuous flow of water. Any disruptions to that flow could see blockages occurring and subsequent damages.

Bredell adds that load shedding could also result in low water pressure, or no water at all for some communities.