The water level at Hazelmere Dam has dropped to 33 percent of its capacity, which is a cause for concern considering that only 18 percent of that water is usable while 15 percent is mud.

The lack of rain in spring and summer has contributed to the dire situation. In an effort to augment water resource availability in the Hazelmere Dam, an emergency pipeline has been constructed by Umgeni Water.

The pipeline has begun transferring water from uThongathi River to Hazelmere Dam. Water restrictions have been implemented in the areas north of eThekwini that are supplied by the dam. These restrictions are implemented for about three hours daily.

Operationally, the Municipality says it has had to shut down certain reservoirs in the northern region. Affected areas include Verulam, Grange, Redcliff, Waterloo, Terence, Westbrook, La Mercy, Sea Tides, Emona, Burbreeze and Umdloti as well as areas under ILembe District Municipality, including Ballito.

The Head of Water and Sanitation Unit, Ednick Msweli continues to urge citizens to save at least 30%
of water.

“We are still appealing to our consumers to work with us to avert further water curtailments and urge residents to continue reporting illegal water connections and water leaks to the number 080-13-13-013”, says Msweli.

Based on the current situation, it is anticipated that water in Hazelmere Dam can only last for about three months.

While the City is affected by the drought, about 237 million litres a day are lost due to illegal water connections, vandalism, and leaks that are not reported on time.

The Municipality urges citizens to take advantage of the water amnesty opportunity offered to declare illegal connections and be converted to legal water users at a cost of R250.