Water in parts of Nelson Mandela Bay has once again not met nationally accepted standards, with several samples failing microbiological tests. The five out of 77 water samples that failed the test could have caused waterborne diseases had the water been continually consumed. However, the metro has said only samples taken from the Indoor Sports Centre in Kariega failed the tests in May and in June, while samples from the beach manager’s office, Lucky Luke Creche and the Walmer Downs Nur.
The Vaal Dam is at 90% capacity this week after sitting at 41% at the same time last year, creating "optimism for stable water supply", says the water department.
KZN water is in a healthy state heading into winter 28 May 2021 - 08:00 Midmar Dam in Howick continues to spill following good rains in its catchments and maximised pumping from the Mooi River, according to a statement by Umgeni Water. Image: Umgeni Water
The status of water supply in KZN is healthy as the dry season approaches.
The latest analysis of water resources in Umgeni Water, the largest system in KwaZulu-Natal, which serves four municipalities, was contained in a quarterly report for the period January to April 2021.
In a statement, Umgeni Water spokesperson Shami Harichunder said assessments by the entity showed that the Umgeni, south coast, north coast, upper Thukela and Ixopo systems had adequate water resources to meet full demands during the winter months, and beyond.
NMB authorities warn of dire situation as dam levels running dangerously low Nelson Mandela Bay authorities have begged residents to use water sparingly as the average dam levels in the metro sat at just over 14%. FILE: Authorities have warned if dams reach 5% and below, taps could run dry. Picture: Supplied
City authorities have begged residents to use water sparingly.
The average dam levels in the metro were sitting at just over 14%.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Municipality said that it was working around the clock to fix water leaks in the area as residents anxiously waited for rain.
The municipality s Masixole Zinto said: “The drought situation is very bad in NMB, dam levels are at 14.32%. It s very dire, we are hoping that our communities will assist us.