The winter season continues with minimal rainfall across KwaZulu-Natal, and with the rainy season still weeks away, many are left wondering just how healthy are KwaZulu-Natal dams.
On this note, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has released its latest report on the state of the dams in the province.
While the report indicates that most dams remain in good condition, the winter season has affected water levels at several dams, with Newcastle’s Ntshingwayo Dam having the lowest levels in the province.
We now take a closer look at the DWS report:
- Albert Falls Dam’s water levels have dropped from 92.5% to this week’s reading of 91.5%.
- Bivane Dam’s levels remain unchanged at 99.5%.
- Craigie Burn Dam has noted an insignificant change, with its water levels standing at 99.4% this week, compared to the previous week’s reading of 99.5%.
- Driel Barrage Dam has noted an increase in its water levels, rising from last week’s 94.4% to 101% this week.
- Goedertrouw Dam’s water levels are currently at 92.2%, compared to the previous week’s 92.5%.
- Hazelmere Dam’s water levels have seen a slight drop, with its water levels dropping from last week’s 79.1% to this week’s 78.4%.
- Hluhluwe Dam has noted a decline in its water levels, dropping from last week’s 93.2% to this week’s 92.6%.
- Inanda Dam’s water levels are currently at 97.4%, a slight difference from the previous week’s 98%.
- Klipfontein Dam has seen its water levels drop from last week’s 86.2% to this week’s 85.2%.
- Mearns Dam has noted a decline in its water levels, dropping from 97.4% to 92.7%.
- Midmar Dam’s water levels are currently at 92.1%, compared to the previous week’s 92.5%.
- Nagle Dam has seen its water levels increase from last week’s 85.8% to this week’s 87.4%.
- Newcastle’s Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam’s water levels have dropped from last week’s 71.4% to this week’s reading of 70.8%.
- Pongolapoort Dam’s water levels are currently at 84.3%, a slight difference from last week’s 84.6%.
- Spioenkop Dam’s water levels have dropped from last week’s 96.5% to 94.9%.
- Spring Grove Dam’s water levels have noted a decline, dropping from last week’s 85.5% to this week’s 83.5%.
- Wagendrift Dam’s water levels remain healthy, with the dam standing at 99.3% compared to last week’s 99.4%.
- Woodstock Dam water levels remain unchanged and healthy at 100%.
- Zaaihoek Dam’s water levels, according to DWS, are currently at 90.6%.
As Newcastillians eagerly await the summer rains, water conservation remains essential in the quest to ensure water security. Residents across KwaZulu-Natal are encouraged to avoid water wastage and to report burst pipes to their respective municipalities.
What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.
