Dams make slow recovery after rains

DURBAN weather had it all this past weekend with reports of thunderstorms that brought hail, rain, winds and high seas. The SA Weather Service predicts partly cloudy skies for the rest of the week with more rain expected during the course of the week.

The recent rains are reportedly making a slight difference to dam levels with reports that some dams are making remarkable recoveries. At Hazelmere Dam things have returned to normal with the dam level currently sitting at 70 per cent – a 30 per cent increase since May. The increased levels have resulted in water restrictions being lifted in areas fed by Hazelmere Dam.

Despite torrential rains, most of the water has fallen outside catchment areas, leaving the dams still dangerously low. Most of the rains that fall in urban areas end up in urban drainage systems and ultimately make their way to the ocean.

Dams in the Umgeni system have received below average rainfall. Midmar is currently lower than it was last year around the same time having received below average spring rainfall. Nagle Dam is currently 70 per cent full and Inanda Dam level is sitting at 65 per cent. Compared to a year ago, Nagle was 77 per cent full and Inanda 85 per cent. Albert Falls Dam level is 25 per cent compared to the 45 per cent is was last year over the same period.

Because of the persistently low dam levels, water restrictions in Pietermarizburg, uMgungundlovu and Durban will remain enforced. With good rains predicted for the end of the year and beginning of 2017, stringent water conservation will remain in place to stretch what water is available until then.