Dam levels up – but drought not broken

GOOD rains over the last few weeks have seen the Goedertrouw Dam levels continue to show an upward trend.

Compared to last year’s level of 19%, the dam was at 35% of its full storage capacity on Monday.

But Zululanders and holiday-makers are urged to use water sparingly this festive season as the region is still in the grips of a serious drought.

Many visitors will not be aware of the critical situation and accommodation facilities are encouraged to inform their guests of the water shortage.

ALSO READ: Water levels still critical

Water authorities and municipal representatives are warning that while rains along the coast have caused greening of the fields, not much rain has fallen in the catchment of the dam and there is still tremendous pressure on the system.

It is also important to remember that the catchment of the dam is not very large and rainfall along the coast does not make its way into the dam.

Richards Bay and Empangeni benefit from additional water sources, such as the Mfule River, which flows into the uMhlathuze River, but added demand is taking its toll.

Year stats (last year’s figures in brackets)

12 December – 35.02%

30 November – 33.43% (19.69%)

31 October – 31.87% (18.23%)

30 September – 31.73% (17.30%)

31 August – 32.81% (17.89%)

31 July – 33.96% (18.85%)

30 June – 34.02% (19.29%)

31 May – 33.30% (20.07%)

30 April – 29.77% (20.74%)

31 March – 30.25% (22.80%)

28 February – 29.52% (25.11%)

31 January – 27.03% (27.10%)

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