28 November 2008

THE levels of Nelson Mandela Bay’s main water supply dams are steadily dropping and should there be no substantial inflow into the dams during the next few months restrictions could be on the cards again early next year.

The current average level of the dams stands at 85,5% the lowest since August 2006, when the last restrictions were lifted following the torrential downpours of that month. The average level stood at 99,8% a year ago.

Although average level is up 1% on that of last month (October 2008), it should have been substantially higher, as the months of September, October and November normally bring the highest inflow into the dams.

If the lack of substantial inflow continues, and the average daily consumption of around 260 Mega litres remains unchanged, the average level of the dams could drop to around 60% early in 2009. It is therefore important that consumers start saving water now already to postpone the possible implementation of water restrictions for as long of possible.

Underpinned please find the current dam levels, compared with that of last year:

	November 2007	November 2008
Kouga	100	92,4
Churchill	100	70,5
Impofu	100	83,6
Loerie	80,6	100
Groendal	78,1	70,3
Average dams	99,8	85,5

Source: Mandela Metro
www.mandelametro.gov.zac