Hazelmere Dam levels reach new heights!

Today’s Hazelmere Dam level of 60.47% is a great improvement from last year’s 31%, however the Umgeni Water restrictions will remain as a hydrologist has raised the bar.

Corporate Stakeholder Manager Shami Harichunder explains why.

“Following about 55mm rainfall in the vicinity of Hazelmere Dam about a week ago, the level of the dam has risen to 60% – about 6,5% more than it had been a week ago,” said Harichunder.

“However, at this stage potable water production curtailment by Umgeni Water and mandatory restrictions that are being applied by eThekwini Metro and iLembe District Municipality will remain in place because there is not sufficient water for pre-drought production and supply to resume.

“It has been estimated by a hydrologist that for Hazelmere Dam to have adequate water in it, the dam has to reach a level of between 70% and 75%.”

The Joint Operations Committee that has been established to manage the effects of the drought – comprising Umgeni Water, eThekwini Metro, iLembe DM and the Department of Water and Sanitation – will review the situation in September.

“The increase in the level of the dam means that supply assurance has improved which translates into the fact that the amount of water currently available will last longer and dead storage is unlikely to occur as originally projected.”

“The improved amount of water in Hazelmere Dam has also been assisted by the transfer of about 6Ml/d of water into it from uThongathi River through an emergency scheme.”

The levels of other dams in the Umgeni Water operational area on August 24,  2016:

Midmar = 46%

Albert Falls = 27%

Inanda = 65%

Nagle = 67%

Mearns = 49%

Spring Grove = 55%

These dams are part of the Mgeni system that supplies uMgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg, Durban and north of Ugu.

The amount of water in the Mgeni system is still of concern to Umgeni Water, and an appeal is made to consumers to use water sparingly.

Potable water curtailment of 15% at Umgeni Water’s water treatment plants and water restrictions of 15% are being applied in the Mgeni system.

In the South Coast, on August 24,  the level of Umzinto Dam was at 100%; EJ Smith Dam at 100% and Nungwane Dam at 97%.

These are small dams that empty out as quickly as they fill.

Therefore, about 60% of the water that is supplied in the Middle South Coast is received from the Mgeni system.

In Ixopo, the level of Ixopo Dam was at 59% as of August 24.

This dam is being supported through an emergency transfer scheme, and water restrictions of 40% are in place.

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