This Week’s Update on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dam Levels

Relentless torrential rains have swept across KwaZulu-Natal, saturating towns and cities and triggering widespread flooding in numerous communities. Yet, amid the chaos unleashed by these downpours, a silver lining emerges: The latest report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) highlights a rejuvenating impact on the province’s dams, offering a glimmer of optimism against the backdrop of adversity.

The DWS’s most recent evaluation of KwaZulu-Natal’s dam network paints a largely encouraging picture, with the majority of reservoirs registering robust levels thanks to the unrelenting rainfall.

However, not all dams share this vigor—most notably the Driel Barrage Dam, which reveals a concerning deviation from the otherwise favorable trend.

To provide a clearer understanding, let us examine the DWS report in detail and assess the precise vitality of KwaZulu-Natal’s critical water reserves:

·         Albert Falls Dam now boasts water levels of 101.6%, a notable rise from last week’s 99.3%.

·         Bivane Dam has seen a tempered decline, slipping from 105.2% last week to 102.3% this week.

·         Craigie Burn Dam reflects subtle progress, inching up to 100.9% from 100.6% the previous week.

·         Driel Barrage Dam stands out with an alarming plunge, dropping precipitously from 82.7% last week to 61% this week.

·         Goedertrouw Dam has enjoyed a resurgence, climbing from 95.2% last week to a robust 100.2% this week.

·         Hazelmere Dam holds steady at 102.3%, barely shifting from last week’s 102.1%.

·         Hluhluwe Dam edges upward to 101.7%, a slight gain from 101.4% last week.

·         Inanda Dam remains stable at 102.9%, a marginal uptick from 102.3% the prior week.

·         Klipfontein Dam has experienced a modest retreat, falling from 103.6% last week to 101.6% this week.

·         Mearns Dam shows a gentle decline, easing from 109.9% last week to 104% this week.

·         Midmar Dam maintains a healthy 100.5%, down slightly from 100.9% the previous week.

·         Nagle Dam records a modest increase, rising to 101.2% from 100.5% last week.

·         Newcastle’s Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam dips to 84.5% this week, a subtle drop from 86.2% the prior week.

·         Pongolapoort Dam demonstrates resilience, advancing from 88.6% last week to 90.4% this week.

·         Spioenkop Dam registers 102.9%, a negligible decrease from 102.1% last week.

·         Spring Grove Dam marks a significant recovery, surging from 76.6% last week to 82.6% this week.

·         Wagendrift Dam has moderated, declining from 104% last week to 102.3% this week.

·         Woodstock Dam reveals a sharp reduction, falling from 97% last week to 84.8% this week.

·         Zaaihoek Dam now stands at 90.6%, a notable decrease from 101.3% the previous week.

As the rainy season approaches its twilight, authorities implore residents to exercise prudence in water usage. Such vigilance is essential to preserve the stability of these vital reservoirs and fortify the province against looming water security challenges.

What are your reflections on this critical update? We invite you to share your insights and perspectives in the comment section below.