LIMPOPO – Most dams in Mopani District remain at healthy levels, with several exceeding 100% capacity, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) latest report released on September 28.

Limpopo’s combined dam storage stood at 98%, down slightly from 98.3% the previous week but well above the 82.6% recorded during the same period last year.

Several dams run above 100%

Klaserie Dam near Hoedspruit remained at 100.6%, up from 82.7% a year ago, while Ebenezer Dam recorded 100.1%, marginally down from 100.2%.

Magoebaskloof and Modjadji dams both stood at 100.4%, compared with 100.5% and an unchanged level, respectively. Hans Merensky Dam near Politsi increased from 100.8% to 101.2%.

Tzaneen and Dap Naude fall behind

Tzaneen Dam declined from 78.9% to 78.3%, although it remained above last year’s 73.6%. Middel-Letaba Dam stood at 96.4%, down from 96.8%, but has recovered significantly from just 5.7% a year ago. Tours Dam recorded 99.9%, compared with 100.1% the previous week, while Dap Naude Dam dropped from 84.1% to 82.8%.

The healthy storage levels offer a positive outlook for communities, farmers and businesses reliant on these water resources.

Water-saving call as El Niño looms

However, residents are urged to use water sparingly to protect supplies and support long-term water security as the province approaches the summer rainfall season and possible below normal rainfall with an El Niño weather system.

The figures reflect dam storage levels as of September 28 and do not necessarily indicate the availability of treated water at household level.