15/10/2026
SIZA WATER: DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS & WATER SECURITY
Siza Water works closely with water authorities and key stakeholders to monitor regional water resources and maintain a sustainable, reliable supply.
1. How prepared is Siza Water for a prolonged drought?
- Preparedness has improved significantly since the 2015–2018 drought.
- Dam levels, rainfall and water demand are continuously monitored.
- Water conservation, leak detection and water-loss reduction programmes remain ongoing.
- Emergency plans and coordination with authorities support drought response.
- Current storage levels remain acceptable, but Siza Water remains vigilant as El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions.
2. What are the biggest risks to water security?
- Prolonged below-average rainfall.
- Higher temperatures, increased evaporation and greater water demand.
- Water losses in regional distribution networks.
- Climate variability and a prolonged El Niño event.
3. What infrastructure improvements have been made?
- Upgrades to bulk water infrastructure and replacement of ageing networks.
- Improved pressure management and leak reduction.
- Expanded monitoring and telemetry systems.
- Continued investment in water treatment and storage.
- Increased Hazelmere Dam storage capacity has strengthened regional drought resilience.
4. How long could current supplies last during a drought?
- Supply depends on rainfall, consumption, drought severity and conservation efforts.
- Hazelmere Dam was approximately 85% full in August 2026.
- Current assessments indicate no short-term risk of non-supply.
- A drought lasting beyond one to two years could require additional interventions or restrictions if demand is not managed effectively.
5. How does Siza Water work with other authorities?
- Partners include Umngeni-Uthukela Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation, iLembe District Municipality and disaster management structures.
- Stakeholders share water resource data, monitor drought risks and coordinate contingency plans.
- Joint infrastructure planning, augmentation schemes and water-loss reduction help strengthen regional resilience.
RAINFALL DATA & TRENDS
- Siza Water uses data from recognised authorities, including the South African Weather Service and Umngeni-Uthukela Water.
- Recent assessments indicate below-average rainfall across much of KwaZulu-Natal.
- Forecasts of continued El Niño conditions reinforce the need for water conservation.
USE WATER WISELY. EVERY DROP COUNTS.
While current resources remain stable, everyone has a role to play in protecting our regional water supply.
