KZN Water levels remain steady this week despite the decline
A weekly status of reservoirs report released by the Department of Water and Sanitation early this week shows that there is a consistent decline in water levels in KwaZulu-Natal. The water stored in the province’s reservoirs has declined to 66.3% this week from 66.7% last week.
The Umgeni Water Supply System with dams supplying water to eThekwini and Pietermaritzburg also recorded a drop from last week's 73.7% to 73.1% this week.
Sputnik Ratau, Departmental Spokesperson has noted the decline in water volumes in the province but said communities should not press panic buttons yet as there is still enough water until the expected summer downpours. However, he cautioned water users not to wastewater as South Africa remains a water scarce country.
"We should remember at all times that South Africa is a water-scarce country, which means every drop counts. This is why we continue to urge communities to save water and to ensure leaks in households are found and fixed", he emphasised.
Ratau says most of the dams decreased slightly, with some managing to remain steady throughout the week.
"Nagle Dam is at 95,1%, dropping from last week's 96,5%, while Mearns Dam jumped significantly from last week's 61,6% to 80,7%. Wagendrift Dam increased from 93,3% to 95,4%. Zaihoek Dam remained unchanged at 75,4% and Albert Falls Dam remains steady at 47,9%," explained Ratau.
Some Dam levels
|
Dam |
Last week |
This week |
|
Midmar |
89,8% |
89,2% |
|
Spioenkop |
98,1% |
96,8% |
|
Woodstock |
81,9% |
81,9% |
|
Goedetrouw |
71,1% |
71,0% |
|
Bivane |
76,6% |
76,1% |
|
Driel Barrage |
79,8% |
79,8% |
|
Hlahluwe |
85,5% |
84,2% |
|
Craige Burn |
100,4% |
100,4% |
|
Ntshingwayo |
69,5% |
68,4% |
|
Spring Grove |
78,6% |
77,0% |
This is while Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu is seized with provincial roadshows, engaging various water sector stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner to address water challenges.
"Minister Mchunu has given direction when he met with KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government led by Premier Sihle Zikalala, municipalities and water boards that we need to work together address water infrastructure failures to limit water losses.
"Minister Mchunu has emphasised the point that every drop of water counts, therefore we need to take care of water infrastructure so that water security is realised”, he added.
Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation
For more information, contact:
Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
082 874 2942
