During a media briefing last week, Umgeni Water warned that there are serious water shortages in this dam, which ultimately supplies water to an estimated six million consumers in uMgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, iLembe, Middle South Coast (Ugu) and Ixopo (Harry Gwala DM).
An estimated two million consumers are dependent on Albert Falls for water.
Today we hosting media at the Albert Falls Dam, sharing our plans towards ensuring that the water crisis is managed in the province #waterislife #UmgeniWatercares pic.twitter.com/TXuSOLJ1wn — Umgeni Water (@UmgeniWater) February 13, 2018 The Mgeni system comprises, in its upper part, Mearns Weir, Spring Grove Dam and Midmar Dam and in its lower part Albert Falls, Nagle and Inanda dams.
It ultimately supplies water to an estimated four million consumers in uMgungundlovu, Pietermaritzburg, Durban and in the north of Ugu.
Of great concern to Umgeni Water is the level of Albert Falls, a strategically important dam that has consistently remained at under 30% for at least two years.
A complication is the high evaporation rate of surface water at Albert Falls, and current high temperatures are not assisting in preservation of water resources.
Indeed we have seen large rainfalls but we urge households to continuously save water – Mr Steve Gillham #WaterIsLife pic.twitter.com/fBWQZ8YMnf — Umgeni Water (@UmgeniWater) February 13, 2018 During a Mgeni system Joint Operations Committee JOC meeting, it was decided that water restrictions of 15% in about 80% of Durban, all of Pietermaritzburg and all of uMgungundlovu will remain in place.
Here is your weekly dam update: The Vaal River System consisting of 14 dams serving mainly Gauteng Sasol and Eskom is at 93.1%.
Here are the latest dam percentages throughout the country: For a more in depth rainfall update, visit WeatherSA or click here.
For a comprehensive drought status report from the Department of Water and Sanitation, click here.