KZN dam levels remain low
Large areas of KZN are still experiencing severe drought conditions
RAINFALL over the past two weeks in KZN has raised some water levels in major dams across the province, but the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for the 12 and 24 month period from July 2013 to June 2016 indicates that large areas of KZN are still experiencing severe drought conditions.
A total of 128mm have been recorded at the Hazelmere Dam and the level as of 4 August was 53.09 %, an increase of 8.07%.
In the Merebank area south of Durban 279mm were recorded.
The Umzinto Dam is currently at 100.12% capacity and the EJ Smith Dam at 100.46%.
In Zululand however, the Goedertrouw Dam is currently at 18.33% compared to 39.09% this time last year.
The emergency pumping scheme from the Tugela River continues to be utilised and the project to double the capacity of the transfer is in progress.
In the meantime restrictions still apply in the area.
Moderate rains of 42.9mm were recorded, but the dam level continues to fall.
The Klipfontein Dam level is currently at 13.86% after receiving 19mm of rain.
This is a significant decline compared to the 45.36% a year ago.
Severe water restrictions are in force and only emergency supply will be made available in Vryheid and Ulundi until the dam recovers.
The Hluhluwe Dam level is currently at 19.4% after it has recovered by 4.5% in the past month.
It is still significantly lower than last year’s 37.93%.
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