NATIONAL WATER RESOURCE STRATEGY SOUTH AFRICA’S WATER SITUATION AND STRATEGIES TO BALANCE SUPPLY AND DEMAND MVOTI TO UMZIMKULU WMA

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Rainfall and Evaporation

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Base Map

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Land Use

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Sectoral Water Requirements (2000)

Sectoral contributions to the economy (1997) Contribution Agriculture Mining Manufacturing Electricity Construction Trade Transport Finance Government Other Community 0 % 20 % 30 % 10 % National Mvoti to Umzimkulu WMA

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Water Availability (2000)

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Water Reconciliation (2000)

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Population scenarios

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu - Water Reconciliation (future)

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu Groundwater Significant quantities of water can be abstracted from groundwater Actual utilisation is relatively small -mainly attributable to generally well watered nature of WMA -wide occurrence of perennial surface streams reduces need for groundwater Strong inter-dependence between surface water and groundwater also over much of the WMA -areas of particular importance are parts of Mgeni River catchment as well as at locations near the coast Appropriate management of aquifers to prevent intrusion of seawater also of importance in coastal area

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu Water quality In natural state quality of surface water in WMA of high standard Wash-off from areas with insufficient sanitation infrastructure and services - unacceptable bacterio- logical pollution, particularly at rural villages and dense settlements Intensive farming operations impacts on water quality in some catchments - Msunduze, lower Mgeni and Umlazi Rivers of specific concern Localised bacteriological pollution of streams in some rural areas. Quality of groundwater generally of a very high standard -no pollution of groundwater has been recorded

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu Key issues Importance of Durban-Pietermaritzburg metropolitan and industrial area in socio-economy of the WMA, and already over-commitment of water from Mgeni River System as the source of water supply to the region Continued strong growth expected in Greater Durban area as one of major urban/industrial hubs and growth centres in country Large quantities of water transferred into WMA to Mgeni River system - need for additional augmentation in future Degraded water quality in Msunduze, lower Mgeni and Mlazi Rivers as well as localised bacteriological pollution of streams in some rural areas

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu Key issues (2) Seasonal shortages experienced in Mvoti, Mkomazi and parts of Coastal sub-areas Provision to be made for growth at coastal towns Implementation of Reserve will significantly contribute to increasing deficits currently experienced - will also create deficits in areas where sufficient water is still available Substantial undeveloped resource potential still remains in several catchments in the WMA which needs to be carefully managed to ensure optimal benefits

WMA 11: Mvoti to Umzimkulu Water resources under control of the Minister Transfer of water from Thukela WMA (Mooi River) to Mvoti to Umzimkulu WMA (Mgeni River) Additional transfer of water from Mooi River (Thukela WMA) - increase transfer capacity through construction of Springgrove Dam on Mooi River and increase in pumping capacity Future transfers of water from the Mkomazi River to Mgeni River within WMA with option of additional transfers from Umzimkulu River in future