Media and Public Statement: Improvements noted in treated water volumes at the Durban Heights Water Works after decrease in algae

Monday, 26 August 2024

uMngeni-uThukela Water’s efforts to reduce the amount of algae in the water being treated at the Durban Heights Water Works have begun bearing fruit.  Over the weekend, uMngeni-uThukela Water was able to increase its production volumes from 500 mega litres to 580 mega litres at the Durban Heights Water Works. This water is supplied to parts of the north and south of the eThekwini Municipality.

The increased supply is due to uMngeni-uThukela Water’s ongoing efforts which include the optimisation of its treatment processes to rid the water of excess algae as well as using advanced chemical treatment methods to unclog its filters.  Our water quality monitoring has also been increased in order to detect and act against the presence of algae in raw water from the Albert Falls-Nagle Dam system.

While the situation has not yet normalised, there are promising signs of a decrease in the algal count in water from the Albert Falls-Nagle Dam system.  uMngeni-uThukela Water continues to monitor the raw water quality and we anticipate that the problem will be resolved once the algal count from Albert Falls-Nagle Dam subsides.

Over the past two weeks, there has been a substantial increase of volumes of algae in water received from the Albert Falls-Nagle Dam system.  While the increased presence of algae is not common in the colder winter season, there has been an increased algal count at the Durban Heights Water Works which has led to the clogging of filters.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused.

WE URGE THE PUBLIC TO CONTINUE USING WATER SPARINGLY.

Issued by: Office of the Chief Executive, Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Management Unit