Mhlathuze Water has recorded a healthy rise in the volumes of water in its dams.

Thanks to bountiful rains received in recent months in some parts of the country, including KwaZulu-Natal, Mhlathuze Water recorded a marked increase in dam levels in January 2022 when compared to the same period last year.

The latest statistics on dam levels from the Department of Water and Sanitation show that the Goedetrouw and Pongolapoort Dams, the two main water sources in Mhlathuze Water’s management area, have vastly improved.

The Goedetrouw Dam which is the chief source of water for industries and municipalities in the greater Richards Bay area rose to 78.2%. During the same period last year it was at 62%.

The Pongolapoort Dam which is responsible for the supply of water to the far northern reaches of KwaZulu-Natal also improved vastly to 72%. During the same period last year it was at 42.7%.

The improved dam levels are a welcome reprieve for especially the drier Zululand and UMkhanyakude districts which are still recovering from a drought that ravaged the northern KZN region some years back.

Despite the improved dam levels, Mhlathuze Water still encourages the public to use water sparingly as South Africa remains a very dry country, meaning that the availability of water is not always guaranteed.

This includes harvesting rainwater at home so that we ensure that every drop of this precious resource is put to good use.

 

Issued by  Mhlathuze Water Office of the Chief Executive