Water situation remains critical

Tugela Transfer Scheme

The contract between the Department of Water & Sanitation DWS and contractor AECOM has still not been signed but assurances were given that all issues have been resolved and the signing is imminent.

Critical maintenance on the existing Tugela Transfer Scheme has been successfully completed.

Goedertrouw Dam

The dam level is at 32.02% as the downward trend continues despite the release being less than in 2016 due to the lakes being full.

Desalination plant

Pumping from the Desalination Plant has been stopped while City of uMhlathuze investigates water quality issues relating possible manganese in the water. Samples are being sent to independent laboratories for testing, to compare with Mhlathuze Water testing.

When operational, the Desalination Plant is only running at 60% capacity (6ML per day) as the City of uMhlathuze system can only accept 6ML a day.

At full capacity the plant can produce 10ML per day and the city has been requested to investigate alternative consumers for the other 4ML.

Lake Mzingazi

Water is not being used from Lake Mzingazi as there was also a reported problem with manganese. Chemical dosing sources for both plants are also being investigated.

The lake continues to overflow. Pumping from Lake Mzingazi commenced on 8 September but due to water quality issues pumping was stopped on 13 September.

Taste problems from Mzingazi plant are reported to be seasonal, as a result of plant matter being submerged. An investigation by the city will be done to see what can be done to remove this taste issue. It may be caused by chemicals released from algae.

The city of uMhlathuze is awaiting independent water quality test results.

Concern was raised regarding potential algae and hyacinth bloom.

General

Level 4 restrictions remain in place and the public is urged to conserve water and to report water leaks. A dry period is forecast from now until December with rains only expected in January.