KZN water depletion fears calmed

According to the department’s chief engineer Norman Ward, the Goedertrouw Dam, near Eshowe, will still have at least 33% of water by October 1. However, this does not diminish the severity of the drought, Zululand Observer reported.

“This is a crisis,” said Ward. “But it can be managed if consumers respond.”

After residents expressed concern regarding times of water cuts announced last week by the city, Ward said the shut-offs presented more than just a convenience problem.

“They could cause pipe bursts if operators switch off or on too suddenly. Our drought committee recommended that shut-offs be delayed as long as possible and until all other measures had been exhausted,” he said.

The city announced last week that water would be cut off in eight wards from 27 to 31 July, during peak times twice a day – 4am to 9am and 5pm to 10pm.

“A shut-off at night would be preferable, as water at night mainly feeds leaks,” he said. “A shut-off between 8pm and 5am, would be better.”

“These measures may be an overkill, but it will focus users’ attention on the issue of water saving. Users need to recognise that restrictions are a valid tool to manage droughts in a country with a highly variable climate,” said Ward.

The city further announced water restriction measures for residents, including no irrigation of gardens, no washing of vehicles with hose pipes, no filling or topping up of swimming pools. The burning of sugarcane has also been restricted due to the dry season and limited water resources to extinguish fires.

– Caxton News Service