NEWCASTLE KZN: Recent rainfall only marginally increases dam levels

Here are this week's dam levels from across the province.

February 17, 2021

Newcastle Advertiser 1 minute read

Wagendrift Dam water capacity was recorded at 102.3% as of February 16.

The increase of water levels in the water supply system are as a result of the recent heavy rains experienced in some parts of the province over the past three weeks, according to Sputnik Ratau, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Water and Sanitation.

“The recent rains have marginally increased the provincial water storage to 69.2% this week, from 67.5% last week,” confirmed Ratau, who added that when compared to the same time last year, it was lower at 60%.

Among the increases are Hluhluwe Dam, which went up from 95.1% to 102.4%, Woodstock Dam on the Tugela River from 98.3% to 101.6% and Spioenkop Dam from 100.6% to 100.8%.

Of the Umgeni Water Supply System, Midmar Dam is at 100.3%, Albert Falls increased from 44.4% to 46% and Springrove Dam is up from 75.5% to 78.5%.

“However, Nagle Dam has slightly decreased from 98.5% to 93.2% and Inanda Dam is on 101.4% from 101.6%,” said Ratau.

He further reiterated the Department’s assurance to the public that most of the country’s dams are built to handle floods, saying this concern came amid heavy flooding in some parts of the province.

“This has filled up some dams to full capacity and has also left a trail of destruction for residents. The recent rains have been both a blessing and a curse… it has filled up most dams while at the same time, left many people homeless. It is for this very reason that we are working closely with the provincial government to bring relief to communities in need,” he explained.

Ratau added that the Department forms part of the National Disaster Management Centre where it shares data on any potential disaster during floods.

“We have highly specialised officials who are in the field on a daily basis, monitoring rivers and dam levels in order to plan for possible water releases from dams as a flood control precautionary measure,” he confirmed.

He concluded by advising the public to stay away from overflowing watercourses, as this could result in the loss of life.

Here’s a look at this week’s dam level status:

DAM	STATUS LAST WEEK	STATUS THIS WEEK


Klipfontein	101.0 %	103.6 %
Wagendrift	102.7%	102.3%
Midmar	100.5%	100.3%
Mearns	102.6%	100.9%
Bivane	103.0 %	102.2 %
Pongolapoort	48.4%	51.0%
Goedertrouw	66.3%	67.6%
Ntshingwayo	86.4%	86.1%