WITH Zululand in the midst of winter, communities are urged to continue using water sparingly to prevent dams drying up before the arrival of summer rains.
The Goedertrouw Dam, for example, is lower than it was at this time last year.
If no rain is recorded during August, the dam is expected to reach 43% of its capacity by the end of the month.
Pumping from the Tugela River is only expected to start in September.
There is no progress on the emergency water scheme, which is still on hold following the lead contractor going into business rescue.
An agent has been appointed to deal with the dispute resolution.
Agriculture is expected to commence irrigation in September, as per their allocation, and this will put further strain on the available supply.
Pumping from Lake Mzingazi averaged 26ml in June owing to the sand filters being clogged.
There has been no word from the uMhlathuze Municipality as to when these would be replaced.
This would allow for the pumps to operate at full capacity and deliver 60ml.
Goedertrouw Dam levels
On 25 July the dam was at 46.10%, compared to 47.54% on 25 July last year.
Lack of good rains has been a major contributor to the drop in dam levels, with only 5.4mm measured between 9 and 11 June.
There has been no rain since and only 0.2mm was recorded in May.
The last reasonable rainfall occurred in April with 30.3mm over nine rainfall periods.
The situation remains dire and communities and industry are urged to keep on saving water.
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