NEWCASTLE KZN: Dam levels across KwaZulu-Natal take a dip

DWS is urging consumers to use water sparingly.

The Ntshingwayo Dam (image from file).

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in KwaZulu-Natal has pleaded with consumers to use water sparingly as dam levels across the province showed a small decline this week.

“The provincial storage capacity has declined from 74% to 73.8%,” confirmed DWS Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, who added this was not a cause for concern as the province’s main water supply system was ‘considerably steady’ at 85.9% from last week’s 86.1%.

Meanwhile, some dams within the system have remained above average this week, as compared to the previous week and last year.

“DWS will continue to work around the clock to implement long-term measures to ensure water security for all,” promised Ratau, who said the Department was committed to carrying out its mandate of ensuring water provision for all households in the country.

DWS is currently waiting to hear which priority areas will be tabled by Minister Lindiwe Sisulu as she delivers the 2021/22 Budget Vote for the Department in Parliament on May 25.

“We can confirm the Budget will consist of long-term projects which will need to be implemented in the province and some which will bring immediate relief to communities, especially those experiencing the dire effects of drought,” said Ratau.

While DWS is committed to continue the implementation of projects in different parts of the province, it has called on water users to play an active role by using water sparingly and reporting water leaks and infrastructure vandalism to local authorities.

Here is a look at this week’s dam level status:

DAM	STATUS LAST WEEK	STATUS THIS WEEK


Klipfontein	99.8%	99.3%
Woodstock	100.0%	100.0%
Spioenkop	100.1%	100.1%
Hluhluwe	98.6%	98.2%
Zaaihoek	80.0%	80.0%
Wagendrift	100.8%	100.4%
Bivane	100.0%	100.0%
Ntshingwayo	81.1%	80.6%
Pongolapoort	58.8%	58.7%
Driel Barrage	100.7%	100.7%
Mearns	100.4%	90.7%
Goedertrouw	75.2%	75.0%