An assessment into parts of the Southern Aqueduct, is underway, to determine why water is flowing less than it should, in the South and Central Regions of Durban.
The eThekwini Municipality said on Sunday afternoon, an increase in water demand, especially during the current heatwave, has exacerbated the situation, leading to low pressure or no water supply at critical points.
Gugu Sisilana, eThekwini Municipality’s Spokesperson, said the 24km Southern Aqueduct conveys potable water from uMngeni-uThukela’s Durban Heights Water Treatment Works to 26 reservoirs in the south and central areas.
The Water Treatment Works experienced an increase in demand during the summer season.
She also said daily consumption is outpacing supply.
“Daily flow records obtained from uMngeni-uThukela’s Water’s Monitoring Centre showed an increase in demand, higher than the available supply from the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works.”
Demand in the Southern Aqueduct currently exceeds supply by approximately 100 megalitres per day.
The Municipality is urging residents to be patient while the City expedites interventions to ensure balanced water supply.
Such, include identifying and repairing leaks, checking all control valves and repairing or replacing where needed, and checking meters that need to be repaired or replaced.
Other measures include lowering pressure in the system in order to reduce water lost through leaks and installing restrictors to help reservoirs cope with the demand.
Water tankers continue to supply water to affected residents until the system fully recovers.
Affected areas are Queensburgh, Shallcross, Klaarwater, Chatsworth, UMlazi, Folweni and Westville.