Since last October, the start of the new hydrological year, the Inkomati-Usutha Water Management Agency (IUCMA) has recorded significant below-normal rainfall, which means that water levels are significantly lower than they have been during the past few years.
In addition, the Injaka Dam, which services the Sabie Sand River System’s volume, is already below average for this time of the year and still dropping. Lowvelders would have also noticed the low levels of water bodies such as the Da Gama Dam, which will have a large impact on farmers and other consumers, depending on its supply.
According to IUCMA, a clear indication of the drought conditions in the area is the fact that the level of the Crocodile River at Kruger Gate is almost the lowest on record, while close to maximum flows are being released from the Inyaka Dam.
Various national and international weather organisations have noted patterns indicating drought conditions over the country, which has highlighted the need to conserve as much water as possible.
Water restrictions of a minimum of 20 per cent for areas depending on the Crocodile River, such as Malalane and Mbombela, have already been requested and irrigators have also been restricted to a maximum of 50 hours’ pumping per week instead of the normal 120.
Consumers have also been cautioned to cut down on water consumption and to stop water-guzzling tasks such as watering gardens or continuously filling up swimming pools.
IUCMA believes that the Inkomati-Usuthu management area is on the verge of a drought and cautions that pumping water from rivers will be a challenge due to the low levels.
No restrictions for domestic or industrial use have been implemented as yet, but it is likely that this will happen before the end of the year.
The increase in abstractions in the Sabie River catchment area, compared to the last drought, might also worsen the situation.
Municipalities have been urged to prepare for restrictions by fixing as many leaks and illegal connections as possible and restricting the irrigation of public open spaces, as well as private and public lawns.
Consumers should take care to conserve as much water as possible, reduce their consumption, ensure that all leaks are fixed and immediately report any water problems to the relevant authorities.
