Reduced water supply due to increased algae at Durban Heights Water Works

Durban residents will be subjected to a further reduced water volume supply from the Durban Heights Water Works due to an increase in algae volumes.

uMgeni-uThukela Water, the utility responsible for water supply in the region, reports that higher-than-normal algae volumes have been detected in the Albert Falls, Nagle, and Inanda dams, leading to reduced treated water output at the Durban Heights Waterworks.

“This excess algae has had a negative effect on volumes of water that can be treated at the Durban Heights Waterworks. As a result, some areas of eThekwini that are supplied from the Durban Heights Water Treatment Works are experiencing water disruptions. While the Waterworks is still producing potable water of excellent quality standards, the production capacity has decreased due to increased desludging and the frequent of back washing of filters to get rid of the algae,” said uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesman Siyabonga Maphumulo.

He said they were continuing with efforts to optimise its treatment processes.

“This includes 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.

“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,” said Mr Maphumulo.