A weekly status of reservoirs report issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation early this week has shown a minimal decline of the Umgeni Water Supply System from 75.3% to 74.8%. The system, with five dams, was slightly lower at 63.5% during a similar period last year.

According to the weekly report, one of the province’s biggest dams which supplies parts of the eThekwini Metro, the Albert-Falls Dam, has also taken a dip from 48.9% to 48.5%. However, the Department’s spokesperson Sputnik Ratau has said the decline should not cause panic as the main system remains stable.

“People should not be alarmed as a result of the decline of Albert-Falls. We have the Umgeni System which serves as the main supply system to store and provide water in the province, and it is standing at good levels,” said Ratau.

Meanwhile, the Midmar Dam on the Mgeni River has recorded an above average percentage of 91.1% from 91.8%. Nagle Dam is this week at 92.4% from 91.6%.

At a concerning low levels is the Hazelmere Dam at 35.6% from last week’s 36.1%. Pongolapoort, Hluhluwe and Klipfontein dams have recorded 55.8%, 86.2 and 81.4% respectively.

The Department has cautioned residents to use water sparingly as hot weather temperatures are expected to increase in the coming weeks.

Here’s a look at this week’s dam level status in some KwaZulu-Natal dams:

Dam

Status Last Week

Status This Week

Ntshingwayo

72.0%

71.4%

Zaaihoek

75.4%

75.4%

Inanda

86.2%

85.6%

Woodstock

76.1%

75.7%

Bivane

82.1%

76.6%

Driel Barrage

99.7%

100.0%

Wagendrift

88.7%

87.3%

Source: Government of South Africa