Rainfall over the past two weeks in KwaZulu-Natal has helped to slightly raise some dam levels in major dams across the provincial system.

The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) for the 12 and 24 month period from July 2013 to June 2016 indicates that large areas of KwaZulu-Natal are still experiencing severe drought conditions. The trend in the SPI shows that despite the rains received over the past two weeks, the drought is continuing unabated.

A total of 128 mm rain has been recorded at the Hazelmere Dam and the level as of 4 August 2016 is 53.09 %, an increase of 8.07%. A total of 279 mm of rain was recorded in the Merebank area south of Durban. The Umzinto Dam is currently at 100.12%, while EJ Smith is at 100.46%

Goedertrouw Dam is currently at 18.33% compared to 39.09% at this time last year. The emergency pumping scheme from the Tugela River continues to be utilised and the project to double the capacity of the transfer has been approved for implementation.

In the meantime restrictions continue to be implemented in the area. Moderate rains of 42.9 mm were recorded, however the dam has dropped to 18.33%

The Klipfontein Dam level is currently at 13.86% after receiving 19 mm of rain. This is a huge decline when compared to 45.36% a year ago. Severe water restrictions are being implemented and only emergency levels of supply will be made available in Vryheid and Ulundi until the dam recovers.

The Ntshingwayo Dam level is currently at 48.47% compared to 70.58% last year after 27mm of rain. The implementation of restrictions includes the closing of the water supply between 8pm and 4am daily. High Lying areas are supplied by means of water tankers.

Greytown is currently supplied only from the boreholes in the area and no longer from the Lake Merthley which is currently at approximately 12% after receiving about 70mm of rain.

The Hluhluwe Dam level is currently at 19.4% after it has recovered by 4.5% in the past month. It is still significantly lower than last year’s level of 37.93% at this time.

The Department of Water and Sanitation in KwaZulu-Natal is monitoring the implementation of the water restrictions that were advertised in the Government Notice of 24 March 2016 through the regular Joint Operation Committee meetings.

The department is urging communities to continue conserving water as KwaZulu-Natal is still experiencing severe drought.