Change of season minimally boosts KZN dam levels
KwaZulu-Natal dam levels have minimally increased from last week’s 66.9% to 67.0% as a result of the light Spring season showers experienced in some parts of the province last week. A weekly status of dam levels issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation this week showed a marginal increase, when compared to a similar period last year, the provincial water storage capacity stood at 56.2%.
“Although minimal, we really appreciate the increase. If the unpredictable summer rains we experienced in 2020 are anything to go by, every drop in our dams really counts for something,” said the Department’s spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.
Ratau said the Craigie Burn Dam increased from 94.4% to 96.8%, Mearns Dam is also up from 79.8% to 92.7% while the Goedertrouw Dam is up from 70.6% to 71.0%.
He added that while most dams remain unchanged this week, the Umgeni Water Supply System was above average at 75.3% from last week’s 75.5%.
“The fact that the system has been above average even during the winter season, serves as an assurance that there is no need to be alarmed for fear of lack of water supply,” Ratau said.
“Having said this, we really would like to caution against reckless water use as temperatures will increase, which will result in the evaporation of water and will ultimately lead to a decrease of dam levels,” he said.
He said while the Department is closely monitoring the status of dam levels countrywide, he maintained that several projects are being implemented to augment water supply.
One such a project is the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall which is currently underway, with the aim to augment water in KZN’s North Coast by raising the dam wall by 7 meters to increase the yield of the dam for medium term supply.
Ratau admitted that the project has been under construction longer than expected and committed that the Department has prioritised its completion.
Here’s a look at this week’s dam level status in some KwaZulu-Natal dams:
|
DAM |
STATUS LAST WEEK |
STATUS THIS WEEK |
|
Ntshingwayo |
71.8% |
72.0% |
|
Hluhluwe |
87.0% |
86.6% |
|
Hazelmere |
36.1% |
36.1% |
|
Albert-Falls |
48.4% |
48.9% |
|
Zaaihoek |
75.4% |
75.4% |
|
Inanda |
86.2% |
86.2% |
|
Woodstock |
75.2% |
76.1% |
|
Bivane |
82.1% |
82.1% |
|
Klipfontein |
82.5% |
82.8% |
|
Driel Barrage |
87.5% |
87.5% |
|
Midmar |
92.1% |
91.8% |
For more information, contact
Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 082 874 2942
