Water levels at dams across South Africa are under increasing stress‚ showing a steady decline week on week.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said dam levels are down by 0.5% to 51.4%. Last year at the same time the dam levels were at 70.3%.
The Umgeni Dam system which consists of five dams serving mainly eThekwini and Msinduze is at 45.1% this week compared with 45.9% last week‚ a decrease of 0.8%. The Hazelmere is at 63%‚ an increase of 2% week on week. “The Hazelmere Dam will however be kept below 64% to ensure the safety of construction workers. Water will be released if and when necessary‚” the department said.
Other KZN dams which remain dangerously low are: Klipfontein at 12.4%‚ Hluhluwe at 17.9% and Goedertrouw at 17.3%. The current restrictions for Goedertrouw Dam will remain at 15% for industry‚ 40% for domestic and 80% for irrigation.
The Vaal River System which consists of 14 dams and serving mainly Gauteng‚ Sasol and Eskom has had a further decrease of 0.6% to 51.8%. Katse Dam is at 43.6% and the Vaal Dam decreased by 0.7% week on week to 30.9% The Sterkfontein Dam has increased to 90.2% mainly due to improved pumping capacity from the Upper Tugela. The Grootdraai Dam is at 72.1%‚ which sees a decrease of 0.8%.
WATER RESTRICTIONS NOT YET HELPING
The City of Joburg has indicated that there is a significantly lower increase in demand compared with previous years and all metros have published their restrictions.
“The impact of the restrictions is however not yet visible.”
The department will manage the Vaal Dam down to 25% before releasing water from the Sterkfontein Dam.
The Orange River serving the Gariep Dam is at 57.7% which is a decrease of 0.2% and Van Der Kloof Dam is at 61%‚ a decrease of 1.7%. The Polokwane System serving two dams has decreased to 32.7%. Restrictions of 20% for domestic use are in place.
The department will continue to monitor 211 dams on a weekly basis.
It cautioned: “All water users are encouraged to use water wisely as the seasonal outlook for rain is not looking promising.”
Dam levels are 'dangerously low' in drought affected KwaZulu-Natal‚ Vaal Dam at 30%
Water levels at dams across South Africa are under increasing stress‚ showing a steady decline week on week.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said dam levels are down by 0.5% to 51.4%. Last year at the same time the dam levels were at 70.3%.
The Umgeni Dam system which consists of five dams serving mainly eThekwini and Msinduze is at 45.1% this week compared with 45.9% last week‚ a decrease of 0.8%. The Hazelmere is at 63%‚ an increase of 2% week on week. “The Hazelmere Dam will however be kept below 64% to ensure the safety of construction workers. Water will be released if and when necessary‚” the department said.
Other KZN dams which remain dangerously low are: Klipfontein at 12.4%‚ Hluhluwe at 17.9% and Goedertrouw at 17.3%. The current restrictions for Goedertrouw Dam will remain at 15% for industry‚ 40% for domestic and 80% for irrigation.
The Vaal River System which consists of 14 dams and serving mainly Gauteng‚ Sasol and Eskom has had a further decrease of 0.6% to 51.8%. Katse Dam is at 43.6% and the Vaal Dam decreased by 0.7% week on week to 30.9% The Sterkfontein Dam has increased to 90.2% mainly due to improved pumping capacity from the Upper Tugela. The Grootdraai Dam is at 72.1%‚ which sees a decrease of 0.8%.
WATER RESTRICTIONS NOT YET HELPING
The City of Joburg has indicated that there is a significantly lower increase in demand compared with previous years and all metros have published their restrictions.
“The impact of the restrictions is however not yet visible.”
The department will manage the Vaal Dam down to 25% before releasing water from the Sterkfontein Dam.
The Orange River serving the Gariep Dam is at 57.7% which is a decrease of 0.2% and Van Der Kloof Dam is at 61%‚ a decrease of 1.7%. The Polokwane System serving two dams has decreased to 32.7%. Restrictions of 20% for domestic use are in place.
The department will continue to monitor 211 dams on a weekly basis.
It cautioned: “All water users are encouraged to use water wisely as the seasonal outlook for rain is not looking promising.”
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