Polokwane, South Africa — Limpopo residents could face imposed water restrictions unless they voluntarily cut back on the amount of water they use.

Polokwane municipal spokeswoman Manoko Matlala said water usage had increased by 33% in the municipality in the last two months.

The increased water consumption comes while southern Africa suffers low rainfall as a result of a dry weather pattern called El Nino.

The municipality is urging its 580 000-strong population to save water and use it efficiently to try and cut back on consumption and avoid the inconvenience of water restrictions.

Meanwhile, the municipality has allocated R83 million for 60 water projects that aim to improve the availability of water in the area.

Matlala said the projects should be finished by June next year and include setting up water infrastructure and repairing and extending water pipes.