IT REMAINS to be seen how the planned water curtailments that will be reintroduced across eThekwini Municipality from September 1 will affect supply on the South Coast.

Also read: eThekwini clarifies meaning of water curtailment

In a statement, the uMngeni-uThukela Water said the curtailments are in line with abstraction licence conditions issued to it by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). These conditions limit how much water may be drawn from dams to protect the long-term sustainability of the system and ensure supply during periods of low or no rainfall.

Curtailments were first introduced in 2024 to bring uMngeni-uThukela’s abstraction volumes in line with DWS regulations. They were suspended after a healthy summer rainfall season left dams overflowing.

“Thus far, uMngeni-uThukela Water has been supplying volumes that exceed contracted allocations to the three affected municipalities. While dam levels within the uMngeni system are currently stable, it is critical to implement prudent water management measures in anticipation of possible future drought conditions,” the entity said.

The curtailments will involve percentage reductions in supply to the municipality, which will be responsible for determining and communicating specific restrictions or adjustments for end users.

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