Brace for water usage peaks over holidays

As KZN begins preparations for an influx of holidaymakers Umgeni Water warns that vast parts of eThekwini Metro, Ilembe District, uMgungundlovu and Harry Gwala Districts and all of Pietermaritzburg still remain under water restrictions..

Government schools close on Wednesday, December 7 and visitors to Durban and other parts of the coast are expected to begin arriving from Friday, December 9 for the six-week recess.

“Ordinarily, outside of a drought situation, Water Services Authorities’ demand for bulk potable water increases by between 20% and 50% per day during the December school holidays, and the extent of increase depends on temperature on the day and if major public events are taking place,” said Corporate Stakeholder Manager, Umgeni Water Shami Harichunder.

Maphumulo

Thirty per cent water restrictions have been implemented at Maphumulo in the Ilembe District because the town’s main source of raw water supply, the Imvutshane River, has dried up.

Water is being transferred from Hlimbithwa River into Imvutshane River through an emergency scheme for supply to and treatment at Maphumulo Water Treatment Plant.

Hazelmere Dam’s  service area

All water restrictions have been lifted in areas that receive water from Hazelmere Water Treatment Works.

These areas are: Verulam, Waterloo, Sea Tides, La Mercy, Ballito, Umhlali and parts of Ndwedwe.

“Restrictions were lifted after Hazelmere Dam began filling rapidly because of good rainfall in July, August, September, October and part of November 2016.

“The dam is currently at 68%, an increase of 42% from November 2015.

“From mid-2014 to June 2016 the supply area of Hazelmere Dam was in a state of drought which necessitated the introduction of 40% water restrictions,” he said.

Forecasters at South African Weather Service and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research have suggested that if above-average average rainfall occurs, it is likely to materialise by the first quarter of 2017.

Rainfall received in the entire operational area of Umgeni Water during October and November 2016 was either marginally above or marginally below the average for the same period.

In October 2016, an estimated 1 354 mm was received, against the October average of 1 378 mm.

In November 2016, an estimated 1 598 mm was received, against the November average of 1 592 mm.

Mgeni system

In the Mgeni system, comprising four major dams – Midmar, Albert Falls, Nagle and Inanda – severe water  shortages remain as a result of a prolonged period of below average rainfall.

The annual average rainfall for this system is between 1 000 mm and 1 200 mm.

The amount of rainfall received in 2016, and the previous year, amounted far less than the average, estimated at this stage to about one-third.

Two seasons of above-average rainfall are required to make a noticeable difference to the levels of Midmar and Albert Falls dams.

If this does not occur, Midmar and Albert Falls dams will continue to reduce in levels.

Additional restrictions would then be required to prevent possible failure.

Harry Gwala district

In Harry Gwala district 30% water restrictions remain in place at Ixopo.

An emergency scheme has been implemented to transfer water into Ixopo dam.

Everyone living in or visiting a drought-affected area are urged to continue adhering to water restrictions and to also use water sparingly.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.