Dam levels in KwaZulu-Natal on a steady decline
A weekly dam levels report issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu-Natal has shown a marginal decline of the province’s water levels from last week’s 58,5% to 58,0% this week.
According to the report, dam levels in the previous year were also above average at 59,5% when compared to a similar period this year.
The Albert Falls dam, one of the biggest dams in the province is at a low 37,0% capacity from 37,8% last week. This time last year, the dam recorded 42,4%.
Meanwhile, the Hazelmere Dam on the Mdloti River is at 47,9% this week from 49,1% in the previous week.
The Pongolapoort Dam in Northern KwaZulu-Natal has this week recorded 41,6% from last week’s 41,9%. In a similar period last year, the Dam recorded 44,3%.
Near Eshowe, the Goedertrouw Dam is at 53,1% this week from last week’s 53,4%. It was slightly lower this time last year when it stood at 44,7%.
However, some dams in the province have recorded an above average capacity such as the Midmar Dam which is at 95,3% from 95,8% last week.
The Inanda and Nagle Dams are at 82,5% and 77,9%% respectively. When compared to the previous week, they stood at 83,3%% and 77,1%.
The below table further shares the status of other dams in the province:
|
DAM |
STATUS THIS WEEK |
STATUS LAST WEEK |
|
Spioenkop |
87,5% |
88,3% |
|
Craigie Burn |
77,7% |
78,4% |
|
Mearns |
49,5% |
62,4% |
|
Spring Grove |
54,9% |
56,4% |
|
Ntshingwayo |
69,6% |
70,5% |
|
Zaaihoek |
62,4% |
63,4% |
|
Midmar |
96.7% |
97.1% |
|
Klipfontein |
64,3% |
65,9% |
The Department has noted the week-on-week decline and has called on residents to continue in their efforts to use water sparingly.
According to spokesperson Sputnik Ratau, the Department through its Water and Sanitation National Command Centre (NCC) is distributing health and hygiene materials for residents to substitute water use, as a means to curb the spread of COVID-19.
“We have in the previous week delivered close to 5 000 hand sanitizers, 1 100 face masks and 2 300 gem protection bar soaps to various municipalities for further distribution to members of the community,” Ratau said.
“We acknowledge that the spread of COVID-19 has increased water use in many households. The distribution of hygiene material is our way of assisting those in need and to increase efforts to use water prudently,” he concluded.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 082 874 2942
