uMngeni-uThukela Water’s Durban Heights Water Treatment Works are currently treating reduced volumes of water due to filters being clogged by large volumes of algae.
uMngeni-uThukela Water said that this had affected the volumes of treated water being supplied to some parts of the north and south of the eThekwini Municipality.
“Over the past two weeks, there has been a substantial increase in 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.”
uMngeni-uThukela Water added that due to this increased presence of algae in raw water, the Durban Heights Water Treatment was currently unable to treat the full amounts of raw water it normally supplies to its customers.
“uMngeni-uThukela Water is currently implementing a number of interventions, including optimising its water treatment processes and using advanced chemical treatment methods to unclog its filters.”
uMngeni-uThukela Water said it was also undertaking ongoing water quality and quantity monitoring to ensure the production of safe drinking water.
uMngeni-uThukela Water added that it apologised for the inconvenience caused. “We urge the public to continue using water sparingly.”
The Mercury