Hyacinth problem spreads across Inanda Dam

DESPITE the efforts from a local volunteer group, the hyacinth problem at Inanda Dam has continued to grow since the nationwide lockdown was implemented in late March.

At a capacity of 251.6 cubic metres (a cubic metre equates to 1 000 litres) and a height of 65 metres, Inanda Dam is the second largest dam in Umgeni Water’s operational area, after Albert Falls.

The surface area of Inanda Dam is 1 463 ha and its length is 595 metres. On Monday, 15 June, the level of Inanda Dam was 87.73 per cent and it is estimated that approximately 30 per cent of the upper parts of the dam is covered by invasive hyacinth.

The water hyacinth is a free floating aquatic plant that spreads rapidly in still or slow moving freshwater. Concerned resident, Christine Dench, whose property overlooks the dam, believes that thousands of tons of the plant have since washed into the main dam and are spreading rapidly.

“It has continued for months and is still entering at the river mouth. It will eventually enter the river system, causing permanent pollution problems,” said Dench.

The president of Canoeing South Africa, Kim Pople, described the plant as highly invasive and said it would have a negative impact on the aquatic ecosystem with a huge cost involved to control it.

“Once it is out of control, it renders areas of the dam not useable for recreation, either fishing or water sports,” said Pople.

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Pople commented that it was interesting how, during the heavy rains in late January and February this year, there were no hyacinth blocks or problems during the river racing season.

Umgeni Water’s corporate stakeholder manager, Shami Harichunder, noted that while the water hyacinth has been a problem at Inanda Dam for several years, Umgeni Water has, on a regular basis through spraying, tried to manage its proliferation.

“Currently, many dams are also using a biological control, with specific insects being used to control the growth. Umgeni Water and DUCT will need to intervene quickly to get control of the hyacinth,” said Pople. “One would need to look upstream of the dam and isolate and remove further hyacinth from entering the dam.”

Harichunder said, “Prior to the implementation of the Covid-19 level 5 lockdown in March, Umgeni Water was preparing to commence work on control through spraying. However, work could not be conducted because of restrictions, initially under level 5 and later, level 4. Umgeni Water is now examining the possibility of aerial spraying to try to manage the spread of hyacinth in Inanda Dam.”

“Umgeni Water does not abstract water from the points in Inanda Dam where hyacinth is present. Inanda Dam supplies raw water to Wiggins Water Works for treatment and supply to eThekwini Metro. The water, in turn, is supplied to parts of Durban,” commented Harichunder.

Msinsi Resort and Game Reserves did not respond to questions by the time of going to print.

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