uThukela
Water systems at holiday destinations are expected to recover, with visitors starting to make their return home, on Sunday.
Umngeni uThukela Waterboard announced the Lower Thukela Waterworks, is stretched beyond its limits, operating at 113% of its plant capacity. This has meant producing approximately 60Ml/d, since the start of the festive season.
The water board then temporarily closed the Command Reservoir outlet, just to restore and maintain an appropriate storage level as per operating procedure.
This led to water supply interruptions in Sakhamkhanya, San Souci, Shekembula, Ohlange, Mdlebeni, Lindelani, Shakaville, Zamani, Darnall, Zinkwazi, Blythedale, Stanger Manor, Warrenton, Doesburg, KwaDukuza Central Business District, Glenhills, Nyoniyamanzi Lot 16, and Gledhow North.
This system improved with levels now at 30%, up from 22.55%.
Agulhas
Similarly water extraction levels at Struisbaai, L’Agulhas and Suiderstrand, were so high, that there was a noticeable decline in reservoir levels.
The Municipality urges residents to adhere to water restrictions and to avoid any unnecessary water use.
Plettenberg Bay
The Bitou Municipality, now enforcing Level 3 Water Restrictions, urged residents and visitors to the picturesque town, to use water sparingly.
This as levels of water in the town’s main source- the Keurbooms River, are low, unable to meet consumption that rose by 15% during the festive period, compared to last year.
Andile Namntu, Spokesperson of the Municipality, said in a statement during the week, “we encourage everyone to play their part by saving water wherever possible. Small daily action, like shorter showers, reusing greywater, and fixing leaks, help protect our shared resources.”
Carolina and Silobela
The Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality said heavy rains led to hiccups at the Eesterhoek Water Treatment Works.
The plant could not process water at intake points, due to increased raw water turbidity (silt and sediment).
The storage dam level is at a critical low level of 15%.
‘Our technical and operations team is currently on-site at the Eesterhoek Water Treatment Works. They are working tirelessly to manage the high inflow, adjust treatment processes, and ensure all mechanical and electrical components are functioning optimally under these strenuous conditions. The team’s primary focus is on restoring and maintaining both the quality and consistent quantity of treated water” said the Municipality’s Thapelo Phetla.
Okhahlamba Municipality
Similarly the Okhahlamba Municipality notified residents of a water shortage in Winterton, due to flooding.
This is because the Winterton raw water abstraction point was found stuffed with foreign objects like log woods, debris and silt.
Municipal technical teams tried to clear pipes, but due to shortage of manpower, it became impossible.
“We will then try again on Monday with full staff compliment. Please bear with us as we try our utmost best to resolve this challenge. Updates will follow in due course.”
KwaDukuza
Residents of the KwaDukuza Municipality were also advised that the Honolulu Reservoir levels are stabilising but are still low, outpaced by demand.
The Municipality notified residents over the weekend, that levels are at 36%, which means there is still a shortage of supply to most Groutville wards.
Water tankers are expected to augment supply temporarily, while uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) assesses the bulk line for leaks.