Water restrictions stay despite heavy rain

The Hazelmere Dam level is at 50.13 per cent today (Thursday July 28) a healthy increase from  43.75 percent on Tuesday, July 26, however water restrictions remain in place and Umgeni Water spokesperson, Shami Harichunder explains why.

“At Hazelmere Dam, 120 mm rainfall was recorded from 24 to 26 July.

“The rainfall received, and transfer of water from uThongathi River to Hazelmere Dam through an emergency scheme, resulted in the level of this dam increasing by three per cent to 50 per cent.

“While this represents a slight improvement in water resources, it is not sufficient to meet the pre-drought demands of iLembe District Municipality and eThekwini Metro. Therefore, reduction of 50 per cent in potable water production at Hazelmere Water Treatment Plant and mandatory water restrictions of 50 per cent on consumers who receive water from this water treatment plant will remain in place.

“Reduction of potable water production was implemented by Umgeni Water and 50 per cent restrictions on consumers gazetted and made mandatory by the Department of Water and Sanitation to ensure that the water in Hazelmere Dam lasts until the next rainfall season. A Joint Operations Committee – compromising Umgeni Water, eThekwini Metro, iLembe DM, Sembcorp Siza Water, Department of Water and Sanitation and Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs – will, however, review the situation fortnightly.

“As with other Umgeni Water systems where rainfall occurred, rainfall received at Hazelmere Dam was also below the yearly average. This means there is  rainfall deficit in the Hazelmere system as well,” Harichunder said.

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