eThekwini to cut water tonight

THE eThekwini Municipality will begin limiting the water supply to all areas supplied by Midmar and Albert Falls Dam from tonight (22 April) from 9pm to 4am.

According to Thulani Mbatha, eThekwini has been severely affected by the current drought. “Residents and businesses will experience ongoing interrupted water supply until there is sufficient rainfall. Weather predictions indicate that there will be minimal rainfall in the next few months, therefore the available storage will be further depleted if we don’t continue to save more water,” said Mbatha.

Mbatha noted that the limiting of the water supply will allow the reservoirs to fill up for the next day. The water level at Midmar Dam has dropped to 46 per cent while Albert Falls Dam has reached a low of 34 per cent.

Midmar Dam supplies water to Pinetown, Cato Ridge, KwaXimba, Umbumbulu, Georgedale, Hammarsdale, Shongweni, Salem, Umlazi and parts of Folweni.

Albert Falls Dam supplies Durban North, Umhlanga, Verulam, KwaMashu, Ntuzuma, Newlands, Westville, Reservoir Hills, KwaDabeka, Clermont, Pinetown, Queensburgh, Chatsworth, Umlazi and parts of Folweni.

“Umgeni Water, which supplies water to eThekwini Municipality, has already started to reduce water supply in order to control the demand and usage patterns. This is very important because it will provide us with continued water supply,” said Mbatha. “In this way we can ensure that water is available to consumers during the day. The municipality will engage businesses and public facilities to ensure their operational plans are in line with the current water management plan.

Mbatha noted that should the intervention not achieve the required water saving levels, the option of limiting the water supply during the day will be considered. “Other initiatives by the municipality to achieve the saving of water include pressure reduction, installation of water meter restrictors, fines and penalties for those with high water usage,” he said.