GEORGE NEWS - The latest water update, supplied by George Municipality:
- Dam level: 100%
- Estimated dam level at new dam wall height: 81,53% (up from 81,34%)
- Rainfall since 21 April 2021: 4 mm
- Demand/usage: 29,889 megalitres (increase from 28,769 megalitres)
(Please note the 100% dam level indication is based on the spillway and dam wall height before it was raised, the latter is the new unofficial estimation based on preliminary calculations ahead of re-callibration of the dam.)
Re-calibration has commenced and is dependent on several factors. Adjusted official readings will be implemented and reported once new capacity has been confirmed, the time period of this is unknown.
Report water leaks and burst pipes to 044 801 9262/66 or after hours at 044 801 6300, as soon as you notice them.
The municipality reported in March that weevils of the species Cyrtobagous salviniae were released mid-February 2021 at the Kat River inlet into the dam and near the dam wall, where most of the Kariba weed occurred. Upon follow-up investigation, studies confirmed a 91% infection uptake.
Since the weevils eat the plant, a significant reduction in the amount of dead plant material is expected once the weevils are established. During a visit to the infection sites at the time, the CBC indicated that the infestation was not a concern as the surface coverage was proportionally small compared to the overall size of the dam and could be effectively addressed with a few interventions.
"The municipality reiterates that this matter is well in hand, is being addressed by learned experts in their fields, and that there is no current threat of oxygen depletion or eutrophication as had been speculated," said Burgoyne.
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