KZN’s South Coast faces 10% water restriction until end of April

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) imposed a 10% water restriction on the South Coast’s water supply until 30 April 2027, while the uMngeni and North Coast systems escaped cuts. The department said the cut would bring total water supply on the South Coast down to 13 megalitres per day. It explained that although the system started the year at 97% storage, demand had exceeded its long-term capacity.

“Water demand is currently exceeding the long-term sustainable yield of the system,” said the department. The department also pointed to weak rainfall as a factor behind the shortage. It said supply could be restored under certain conditions.

“The restrictions may be lifted if the water supply from the Mpambanyoni Scheme is successfully reinstated, if South Coast dams reach full capacity and begin spilling, or reduced if water supply from the South Coast pipeline is consistently maintained at 4.6 megalitres per day,” said DWS. The uMngeni system, covering the stretch from Pietermaritzburg to Durban and from KwaDukuza to Amanzimtoti, began the year at 99.5% storage. DWS confirmed no cuts would apply there.

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Even so, the department urged residents to keep saving water. “Reducing water use remains essential… to bring usage back within authorised limits and the system’s sustainable yield, and to reduce the risk of future restrictions,” said the department. The North Coast system, fed by Hazelmere Dam, was also above full capacity at the start of the year. The department said it would keep strengthening the system’s long-term security through the Lower Thukela bulk water supply system.

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