Dam levels across the province have shown improvement on the whole, with Goedertrouw near eShowe increasing to 79.0%.
The dam, which is the chief water source for industries and municipalities in the greater Richards Bay area, was at 78.2% last week.
While water levels at Pongolapoort dam, which is responsible for the supply of water to the far northern areas, have shifted slightly, the dam remains above the 80% mark, recording 83.9% – down slightly from last week’s 84.6%.
Pongolapoort had recorded 72% the previous week, and was at 42.7% in the same period last year.
The improved dam levels follow heavy rains experienced in the region in recent weeks.
Mhlathuze Water welcomed the much-needed reprieve for especially the drier Zululand and uMkhanyakude districts.
The utility has, however, urged communities to use water sparingly ‘as South Africa remains a dry country, meaning the availability of water is not always guaranteed.
‘This includes harvesting rainwater at home so we ensure every drop of this precious resource is put to good use,’ Mhlathuze Water said in a statement recently.
The Department of Water and Sanitation has called on residents to report any water leaks and water infrastructure vandalism to local municipalities.
