Newcastle Municipality addresses the state of our water

The severity of the prevailing drought in KwaZulu-Natal has finally hit home for the residents of Newcastle.

The community has vowed to follow water saving tips religiously, hoping their contribution will yield results in the long run.

Newcastle Municipality published a statement on its website, resolving to inform the public regarding the current state of raw water resources in the province.

All sectors were advised to start conserving water sooner, rather than later.

Under normal circumstance, both Newcastle East and West are supplied purified water via the Ngagane Water Purification Plant. The plant obtains its raw water extraction mainly from the Ntshingwayo Dam. Several other areas and municipalities also obtain water from this source.

Due to a lack of rainfall, water levels in the Buffalo and Ngagane Rivers have dropped considerably since December, 2014. The rivers are currently being supplied and maintained by an additional water release from Ntshingwayo and Zaaihoek Dams.

“Without this additional water supply, there would be zero flow in these rivers – without these vital river resources, the Newcastle area would suffer a 44 per cent reduction in raw water supply – 24 per cent from the Buffalo River and 20 per cent from the Ngagane River – and the effect on the Umzinyathi area would be devastating, reducing their raw water supply by about 95 per cent,” read the statement.

Water transfers a possibility?

The level of the Ntshingwayo Dam currently stands at 73 per cent, and the Zaaihoek Dam at 82 per cent. Although the Zaaihoek Dam is not a licensed extraction point, the Department of Water Affairs decided it be considered an emergency supply amidst the drought.

Hattingspruit is consequently being almost exclusively supplied by the Buffalo River, via the releases of additional water flows from the Ntshingwayo Dam.

The statement continued, saying, “The Emadlangeni (Utrecht) local town perennial Dorpspruit River and dam level is currently perilously low at 24%, and this town could soon be fully dependent on a supply from the Ngagane Water Purification Plant via the Ntshingwayo Dam.”

Agriculture, mining and industry have also been adversely affected by low river levels in terms of production output. Should the drought persist, the financial implications could potentially be devastating.

The prediction?

The municipality warned consumers that should the situation worsen, water restrictions would be unavoidable in both Newcastle East and West. The restrictions will be implemented in line with council

Where to now?

Stakeholders were advised the to implement the following measures in order to save water:

– All sectors should reduce water consumptions in a controlled and responsible manner. Limit use to the absolutely essential in order to reduce excessive and unnecessary demands.

– Leaking taps and pipes should be fixed in order to avoid further losses.

– Regional water planning and monitoring of drought conditions should be conducted regularly.

The municipality has since put plans in place to properly manage the situation, should the drought prevail. Controlled water conservation and demand management measures have also been established.

The municipality advised residents to report water and sanitation related queries to its 24-hour call centre on 0860 144 144.