GQEBERHA – The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has warned that large parts of the metro continue to experience water supply disruptions, including intermittent supply, low pressure and, in some areas, complete outages, despite dam levels being at full capacity following heavy flooding in the first week of May.

According to the NMBM, the ongoing disruptions are linked to a combination of operational challenges affecting water production and distribution systems. These include high turbidity in raw water sources following the flooding, power supply interruptions at key infrastructure sites, chemical supply constraints, and excessive water consumption across the metro.

The municipality said the severe flooding significantly increased the turbidity of raw water entering treatment works, with existing infrastructure unable to fully manage the elevated sediment levels. As a result, treatment plants have been operating at reduced efficiency, at times producing less than half of normal output.

It further reported that intermittent power interruptions during May and June affected critical infrastructure, including the Nooitgedagt Water Treatment Works, Loerie Water Treatment Works, Motherwell Booster Pump Station and Schoonie Pump Station. These disruptions impacted both water treatment and pumping capacity to reservoirs across the city.

Chemical supply issues have also contributed to reduced production capacity, with the municipality citing delays in deliveries, logistical challenges, quality concerns and contractual issues affecting the availability of treatment chemicals.

NMBM added that current water consumption levels are significantly above target, with usage at approximately 380 million litres per day compared to a target demand of 280 million litres per day. It said this places additional strain on an already stressed system and contributes to rapid reservoir depletion.

The municipality said several strategic reservoirs are currently operating at critically low levels, with some nearing empty. Reported levels include Chelsea Reservoir at 7%, Emerald Hill at 2%, Heatherbank at 3%, Lovemore Heights at 4%, Gelvandale at 2%, Greenbushes at 13%, Fort Nottingham at 7%, Fairview at 11% and Rosedale at 0%.

According to NMBM, these low reservoir levels are affecting supply across multiple zones in the metro.

Areas currently experiencing water interruptions or low pressure include parts of Rosedale, Kabah, Langa, Mountain View, McNaughton, Fairbridge Heights, Motherwell, iKamvelihle, Wells Estate, Bluewater Bay and St George’s.

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