Press Release – SANS 241: Open for public comment

The South African National Standard (SANS) 241 is a drinking water specification that states the minimum requirements for potable water to be considered safe for human consumption.  The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), in terms of the Standards Act, 2008 (Act No. 8 of 2008), is requesting for review and comments on the revised South African National Standard (SANS) 241.

To submit your comments on the draft please click here.

SANS 241ED7; Drinking Water

 

 

 

 

El Niño Update – June 2024

As of mid-June 2024, oceanic and atmospheric indicators in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean align with neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions, while diminishing El Niño conditions remain in the western Pacific. Predictions from various climate models suggest that the ENSO-neutral conditions will persist for the remainder of the Southern Hemisphere winter season. In addition, all climate model forecasts show potential La Niña conditions from the spring season. An important observation is that sea surface temperatures in the Southern Hemisphere have been cooling since December 2023. However, there remains great uncertainty regarding the onset, as well as the probability of La Nina conditions amongst the different models. For example, the NOAA CPC models show a 75% chance for La Niña conditions to persist during the August to October period, while the IRI shows 45% likelihood for La Nina conditions during this period (Figure 1). These differences are due to the relatively low skill of seasonal forecast models during this time of the year. Therefore, these probabilities should be used with caution.

Figure 1: ENSO Probabilities based on CPC and IRI models.

Due to the relatively good rainfall received in uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation during the rainfall season, most UUW-operated dams have remained in relatively high storage levels during May and June 2024. For example, the storage trajectories of the Mgeni System are shown in Figure 2 below.

Figure 2: Historical storage trajectories for the Mgeni System.

Due to the high storage levels observed in most UUW-operated dams, the risk of non-supply remains relatively low for UUW’s customers in the short to medium-term. However, it is important for water users to implement demand-side water resources management strategies such as reusing water for non-potable purposes and fixing household leaks. uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to monitor the ENSO signal and an update will be issued at the onset of the spring season.

 

Temporary planned shutdown of Hazelmere Water Works to install new valves

The Hazelmere Water Works which supplies water to some northern parts of the eThekwini Metro, Siza Water and the Ilembe District will on Saturday, 13 July 2024 undergo a planned 4-hour maintenance shutdown.

The shutdown is to allow for the replacement of malfunctioning domestic water isolation valves. The work will begin at 08h00 until 12h00 and all pumping and maintenance activities will be temporarily suspended during this time.

The following areas and customers be affected by the shutdown:

  • Verulam
  • Waterloo
  • Ballito
  • Ndwedwe
  • La Mercy
  • Siza Water.

uMngeni-uThukela Water apologises to the public, stakeholders and customers for the inconvenience that the temporary shutdown will cause.

WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE USING WATER SPARINGLY

Lowering of Mvutshane Dam to allow for rehabilitation work

The Mvutshane Dam which supplies water to the Maphumulo Local Municipality under the ILembe District Municipality will undergo a phased lowering from its current 63, 7% level to 40% with effect from 15 July until 15 August 2024.

This is to allow for the rehabilitation and strengthening of the dam embankment against erosion. This dam will be maintained at the 40% level until 10 September 2024 when the rehabilitation work is expected to be completed.

During this time, uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to treat and supply normal volumes of water and no water disruptions are therefore anticipated.

El Niño Update – April 2024

According to model assessments by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal remains in an El Niño state for the April-May-June (AMJ) period. Therefore, an El Niño advisory remains as oceanic and atmospheric indicators in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean continue to align with the diminishing El Niño event. The multi-model based forecasts suggest that neutral conditions will prevail from late autumn into winter, with a high likelihood for La Niña conditions to develop towards the end of winter.

Figure 1: Mid-April ENSO Forecast by IRI.

uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation received relatively normal to above-average rainfall during April 2024. As a result, all dams managed by uMngeni-uThukela Water remained in relatively high storage levels during April and were at full supply capacity on 01st May 2024. Only the Ludeke, Hazelmere, iMvutshane and Pongolapoort Dams were below full supply capacity as these are managed at relatively low storage levels for safety reasons.

Table 1: Dam levels as % of full supply capacity in UUW and some DWS-managed dams on 1st May 2024, compared to the previous two years.

Site Name Dam Level (% of full supply capacity)
  01 May 2024 01 May 2023 01 May 2022
Mearns Dam 108 103 117
 Spring Grove Dam 101 99 101
 Midmar Dam 100 97 101
 Henley Dam 105 105 107
 Albert Falls Dam 101 99 102
 Nagle Dam 100 95 102
 Inanda Dam 101 101 103
 Home Farm Dam 101 100 113
 Nungwane Dam 101 101 102
 Umzinto Dam 100 99 100
 E.J. Smith Dam 100 98 100
 Mhlabatshane Dam 101 100 101
 Ludeke Dam 46 65 100
 Hazelmere Dam 84 56 53
 iMvutshane Dam 61 62 90
 Goedertrouw Dam 98 100 99
 Pongolapoort Dam 87 84 89
 Olifantskop Dam 104 102 110
 Spioenkop Dam 100 99 100
 Wagendrift Dam 101 100 102
 Woodstock Dam 100 95 101

The high storage levels indicate that there is no risk of non-supply for UUW’s customers in the short-term. However, the beginning of May is a critical period for water resources planning in UUW’s area of operation, as it marks the onset of the dry season. Therefore, it is important for water users to conserve water during this period. uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to monitor the ENSO signal, as well as developments in SA’s neighbouring countries, i.e. Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia, who are currently experiencing an El Niño-induced drought. The next update will be issued at the end of May 2024.

El Niño Update – March 2024

Based on oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the central-eastern Pacific Ocean, an El Niño advisory remains. According to the mid-March model assessments by the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal remains in an El Niño state for the March-April-May (MAM) period. There is a high likelihood for neutral conditions to develop in autumn, while the long-term assessments suggest a potential return of a La Niña cycle later in the year.

The ongoing El Niño event has reached its peak and is currently diminishing. However, its effects are currently being experienced in various parts of the world. For example, South Africa’s neighboring countries, i.e. Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe are currently experiencing an El Niño-induced drought and have each declared a state of national disaster due to its impacts on livelihood, e.g. electricity supply (hydro-power). Therefore, it is essential for South Africa to remain alert as an El Niño advisory remains.

Figure 1: Mid-March ENSO Forecast by IRI.

Similar to February 2024, most of South Africa, as well as uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation, received below-average rainfall during March 2024. However, most dams managed by uMngeni-uThukela Water remained in relatively high storage levels, with the levels of major dams such as Midmar, Albert Falls, Inanda and Goedertrouw Dams currently at 96%, 100%, 101% and 99% of full supply capacity, respectively.

Figure 2: March 2024 rainfall as a percentage of the long-term average (Source: South African Weather Service)

Although relatively below-average rainfall was received during March 2024, there is no risk of non-supply to UUW’s customers in the short term. However, prolonged periods of below-average rainfall (as suggested by the South African Weather Service) may increase the risk of non-supply through low storage levels. Furthermore, developments from SA’s neighbouring countries (i.e. Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi) warrant the need to remain alert and closely monitor climatic conditions and dam levels.

Table 1: A three month comparison of water levels as % of full supply capacity in UUW and some DWS-managed dams.

Site Name Dam Level (% of full supply capacity)
  01 February 2024 01 March 2024 01 April 2024
Mearns Dam 106 103 108
Spring Grove Dam 95 99 101
Midmar Dam 100 100 96
Henley Dam 105 107 105
Albert Falls Dam 101 101 100
Nagle Dam 101 100 86
Inanda Dam 102 102 101
Home Farm Dam 104 103 101
Nungwane Dam 102 101 101
Umzinto Dam 100 100 100
E.J. Smith Dam 100 100 100
Mhlabatshane Dam 101 101 101
Ludeke Dam 68 46 49
Hazelmere Dam 83 83 84
iMvutshane Dam 87 60 56
Goedertrouw Dam 100 99 99
Pongolapoort Dam 81 81 84
Olifantskop Dam 106 104 106
Spioenkop Dam 101 100 100
Wagendrift Dam 101 101 101
Woodstock Dam 91 96 100

uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) encourages its customers, and water users in general, to practice and promote water resources conservation measures. UUW publishes home-based water conservation tips on a weekly basis through the company’s social media platforms and encourages the public to share more tips that promote water use efficiency at household level. uMngeni-uThukela Water will issue an update at the end of April 2024.

El Niño Update – February 2024

Hey there, water users! uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) would like to share the latest update on the ongoing El Niño cycle. Model assessments indicate that the El Niño event has reached its peak, with ENSO currently in a moderate-strong El Niño state. UUW will continue to monitor the development of ENSO as an El Niño advisory remains. Remember to use water sparingly.

Most sites in uMngeni-uThukela’s area of operation saw below-average rainfall in February, with some receiving as little as 50% of normal rainfall, e.g. Mearns Weir and Inanda Dam. We are closely monitoring rainfall, dam levels and the ENSO signal as we approach the end of summer.

Even though February brought below-average rainfall, our dams are on relatively high storage levels, ensuring no immediate risk of non-supply for our customers. However, forecasts are calling for below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures for the next three months in South Africa.

To tackle potential challenges head-on, let’s all do our part in practicing efficient water usage. Keep an eye out for the conservation tips provided by UUW weekly. Stay tuned for more insights. Together, let’s ensure sustainable water management.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC NOTICE: DISRUPTION OF WATER SUPPLY AT THE MIDMAR WATER WORKS DUE TO ESKOM POWER OUTAGE

Friday, 2 February 2024

The Midmar Water Works is currently not operating due to a power outage which Eskom has attributed to maintenance work in the area.

Due to this power outage, uMngeni-uThukela is currently unable to supply bulk water to parts of the uMgungundlovu, Msunduzi Local Municipality, and the eThekwini Metro which are all fed from the Midmar Water Works.

Eskom has not provided a time frame on when power will be restored.

Water supply to the following areas has been affected due to the power outage:

  • Howick
  • Hilton
  • Mpophomeni
  • Vulindlela
  • Parts of Pietermaritzburg
  • Camperdown
  • Eston
  • Umbumbulu
  • Parts of the Outer West of eThekwini

We apologise for the disruption caused by the power outage.

Issued by: Office of the Chief Executive, Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit

El Niño Update – January 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water (UUW) continues to monitor the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) signal and its potential impact on water resources. According to the latest (mid-January) assessment, El Niño conditions in the central-eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean remain strong, consistent with the on-going El Niño event. The Southern Oscillation Index, however, was in the neutral region (+3.7) during January 2023.

According to the latest climate model projections, strong El Niño conditions will continue to prevail for the remainder of the South African summer season, with neutral conditions likely to develop during mid-autumn (see Australian Bureau of Meteorology and International Research Institute for Climate and Society for detailed information on climate model predictions). Therefore, an El Niño advisory remains until the next assessment (mid-February).

Similar to December 2023, uMngeni-uThukela Water’s area of operation continued to receive normal to above-normal rainfall during January 2024. As a result, all dams managed by UUW were above fully supply capacity on 01st February 2024, except the Spring Grove Dam (95%), as well as dams managed at low storage levels for safety reasons. Based on the current water resource status, there is no risk of non-supply in UUW’s area of operation in the short-term.

*Dam levels managed for safety reasons.

Site Name

Storage level (%)

Today Last Year
Henley Dam 105 107
Hazelmere Dam* 83 54
Umzinto Dam 100 100
Inanda Dam 102 103
iMvutshane Dam* 87 86
Mearns Dam 106 121
Nagle Dam 101 102
Spring Grove Dam 95 102
Nungwane Dam 102 101
Albert Falls Dam 101 102
Home Farm Dam 104 102
Olifantskop Dam 106 116
Ludeke Dam* 68 53
Midmar Dam 100 101
Mhlabatshane Dam 101 101
Woodstock Dam 91 85
Spioenkop Dam 101 100
Wagendrift Dam 101 102
Goedertrouw Dam 100 100

Most global climate models suggest that the El Niño cycle is approaching its peak. Therefore, it is important for all stakeholders to remain alert for the remainder of the summer season. February is traditionally the hottest month of the year in UUW’s area of operation and climate models predict above-normal maximum temperatures for February and March 2024 in this area.

Water loss through evaporation increases with temperature; therefore, the projected high temperatures may pose a risk to water resources availability. Water users are encouraged to continue to use water efficiently by following the home-based water conservation tips issued by UUW on a weekly basis. uMngeni-uThukela Water will issue an update at the end of February 2024.

MEDIA AND PUBLIC NOTICE: Release of water from the Hazelmere Dam Due to heavy rains

Thursday, 28 December 2023

The heavy rains in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal have prompted uMngeni-uThukela Water to release water from the Hazelmere Dam. The release of water will start at 8am on Friday, 29 December 2023 and continue until a safe operating level is attained. This exercise is necessary to prevent the risk of flooding of dwellings located upstream of the dam.

Recent streamflow and dam level readings indicate that inflows into Hazelmere have increased exponentially and the dam level continues to rise. Currently, the water level at the Hazelmere Dam is at 85%, which poses a risk of flooding of homes located within the flood line upstream of the dam.

For these reasons, Umngeni-uThukela Water which manages this dam on behalf of the Department of Water and Sanitation has taken a decision to release water on an emergency basis in order to reduce the dam level to comply with set operating rules

Water released from Hazelmere Dam makes its way into the Mdloti River, causing it to rise significantly. The river swells can be significant and do pose a risk drowning or getting washed away for people attempting to cross the river during this time.

We therefore urge the public to stay away from the river, not attempt to cross low-lying bridges and to safeguard any property, including livestock, that may be in proximity of the river banks while the water releases are in progress.

Issued: uMngeni-uThukela, Corporate Stakeholder Management Unit, Office of the Chief Executive


ISAZISO ESIBHEKISWE EMPHAKATHINI NABEZINDABA: UKUDEDELWA KWAMANZI EDAMINI IHAZELMERE

ULwesine, 28 Disemba 2023

Izimvula ezinamandla ezingxenyeni zesifundazwe saKwaZulu-Natal seziphoqe isikhungo esiphehla amanzi uMngeni-uThukela ukuba sidedele amanzi kwelinye lamadamu asenyakatho neTheku, iHazelmere Dam.

Lokhu kuzoqala ngehora lesishiyalombili ekuseni ngoLwesihlanu mhla zingu 29 Disemba 2023 kanti kuyoqhubeka kuze kube idamu lifinyelela ezingeni eliphephile lokusebenza. Ukudedelwa kwamanzi edamini kubalulekile ukuze kuqikelelwe ukuphepha kwemizi eyakhiwe bude buduze nalo ngoba ingaba sengcupheni yokwemuka uma lingagcwala lize lichitheke.

Ngokwezikalo zakamuva zomthamo wamanzi, iHazelmere Dam igcwele iyachichima njengoba iku-85% kanti isaqhubeka ukwamukela amanzi.

Ngenxa yalokhu, uMngeni-uThukela uyaphoqeleka ukuthi udedele amanzi ukuze kwehliswe umthamo wawo. Amanzi azodedelwa eHazelmere azongena emfuleni uMdloti nokuzoholela ekutheni ugcwale kakhulu. Ngaleyondlela sicela ukuthi umphakathi uqaphele ukuwela umfula njengoba uzobe udla izindwani.

Kanjalo nabantu abanempahla esosebeni lomfula, kubalwa nemfuyo, siyabacela ukuthi baqaphe kakhulu ngalesisikhathi ngoba kuzoba nobungozi bokwemuka.