Question NW821 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
20 April 2016 - NW821
Basson, Mr LJ to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
(a) What are the current phosphate levels of the Inanda Dam near Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal and (b) what measures have been taken to reduce the prevalence of toxic green-blue algae which is a threat to the water quality of the specified dam?
Reply:
(a) The current phosphate levels of the Inanda Dam near Hillcrest in KwaZulu-Natal is 40 µg/l.
(b) Inanda Dam receives flow from the Msunduzi River. The Mvoti to Mzimkulu Classification Study has highlighted the need to improve water quality of the Msunduzi River citing nutrients as a variable requiring improvement. Hotspots contributing to poor water quality in this river system have been identified and the Msunduzi Municipality together with Duzi-Umgeni Conservation Trust, and my Department engages in monitoring all the identified hotspot areas. There has also been the installation of Closed Circuit Televisions (CCTV) which operate 24 hours to identify surcharging manholes. Water quality monitoring is done on a weekly basis on both downstream and upstream of problematic manholes and pump stations along the Msunduzi River and its tributaries. My Department has also increased the frequency of inspections of hotspot areas.
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