Dam levels for Newcastle and surrounds
Sputnik Ratau of the Department of Water and Sanitation said a 'behavioural change' is required from everyone to use water with care.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) for KwaZulu-Natal has confirmed that its main waters supply system is above 70% as they released the newest set of dam levels for Newcastle and surrounds.
However, DWS has reiterated its plea for water conservation.
According to spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, most of the five dams that make up the Umgeni Water Supply System are above average.
“Below average is one of the biggest dams in the province – Albert Falls – which is at 47.5% now. There were also minimal declines at Spring Grove Dam and Hazelmere Dam.”
Residents urged to use water sparingly
Ratau said a ‘behavioural change’ is required from everyone to use water with care.
“This is not just directed to areas which have low water levels – this is for everyone in the country. South Africa is water scarce and ranked among the driest countries in the world,” he said.
What this means for the country, he added, is that residents have to respect water as a ‘precious and very expensive resource that must be used wisely’.
Here’s a look at this week’s dam level status in some KwaZulu-Natal dams:
| DAM | STATUS LAST WEEK | STATUS THIS WEEK |
| Wagendrift | 95.4% | 96.2% |
| Hluhluwe | 83.6% | 82.9% |
| Mearns | 87.7% | 64.9% |
| Woodstock | 82.5% | 83.7% |
| Bivane | 64.3% | 63.0% |
| Craigie Burn | 99.8% | 99.3% |
| Ntshingwayo Dam | 68% | 67.3% |
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