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10.1 Introduction
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A wide range of information is presented in this chapter. The first part of the chapter
concentrates on officially defined drainage catchments, as well as runoff and water
demand data, plus sources of hydrological information and associated river data. The
major dams in Natal/KwaZulu are listed in the next section, which is followed by a
discussion of dam safety as well as the environmental impacts of dams and other water­
related infrastructure. The second part of the chapter deals with some legal aspects of
water supply and demand. A number of water control systems are accordingly examined.
The final part of the chapter describes the various local authorities and agencies
responsible for the provision of domestic water supplies in Natal/KwaZulu. Also included
is a brief overview of civil defence (protection) - as undertaken by local authorities - with
special reference to floods.
10.2 Precipitation and runoff in NatallKwaZulu
NatallKwaZulu is the most fortunate province of South Africa with regard to water
resources (Table J1). A comparison of NatallKwaZulu's water budget with the whole of
South Africa (Table J2) reveals that proportionately in the province, there is nearly twice
as much total runoff (direct surface runoff and groundwater recharge) per unit of rainfall,
than in South Africa. NatallKwaZulu with approximately 8% of the land area of South
Africa, contributes 25% of South Africa's streamflow and 40% of the usable water
resources (Schulze, 1979)*.
*
See Schulze, R.E., 1979. Hydrology and water resources of the Drakensberg, Natal Town and
Regional Planning Commission Report, VOl 42, Pietermaritzburg, 179 p.