Dry taps for Dolphin Coast
The Dolphin Coast, including Ballito, could be faced with dry taps this festive season after its water supplier implemented further restrictions in the area.
By Nokuthula Ntuli
Sembcorp Siza Water has implemented stage four of water restrictions in the south of KwaDukuza (Stanger), after the drop of water levels in the Hazelmere Dam since March owing to below-average rainfall levels. The dam level is now 40% full a critical level.
This will be the second time the area has been hit by water shortages during the festive season after supply problems in December 2011.
“We have been given a mandate by Umgeni Water (bulk water supplier) to reduce by at least by 30% the demand for water and, thus far, only a saving of approximately 19% has been achieved,” said Siza Water’s Khosi Mathenjwa.
The supply would be interrupted from 9pm until 5am until they were advised by Umgeni Water that the restrictions could be eased.
Consumers may also experience lower water pressure and interruptions without notice.
“Should this measure not meet the required curtailment, we will have to enforce further shutdowns during the day,” she said.
Mathenjwa said most customers were complying. However, many did not adhere to the restrictions. Defaulters faced a minimum fine of R3 000 a case.
Stage five restrictions would be implemented should the dam level drop to 30%.
In this scenario, consumers would need to collect water from Siza Water’s strategic points.
Mathenjwa said there had been an increase in demand for the final effluent (recycled) water, which could be used for pools, gardens and washing vehicles.
This water was not safe for drinking and cooking. Consumers have to pay a R850 transport fee for Siza Water to bring them 5 000 litres of recycled water. She said this excluded VAT.
Verulam, Grange, Tongaat, Emona, Burbreeze and Umdloti in eThekwini are supplied by Hazelmere Dam.
Two weeks ago, the city was at stage three of restrictions. Attempts to establish whether they would be moving to stage four or extracting water from Inanda Dam for the northern reservoirs were unsuccessful. However, last month, eThekwini water and sanitation’s Ednick Msweli briefed the executive committee on the situation.
“Umgeni Water has told us that we may have to impose water restrictions if the current consumption rate is not reduced. At the moment, it is still voluntary but we are closer to the critical level,” he said.
Umgeni spokesman Shami Harichunder said good rains were only expected in January, so it was important for people to save water, even in areas where dam levels were above 70%.