Rainfall inadequate to fill the dams of the province
The Highveld region, which includes the Gert Sibande and Nkangala Districts of Mpumalanga, benefitted from the rainfall over the past week as water levels in the listed dams and catchment management areas recorded improvements in water levels.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report of December 9, the average water levels in the listed dams in Mpumalanga recorded an improvement of 4,5 per cent; from last week’s 55,7 per cent to 60,2 per cent.
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The Inkomati-Usuthu catchment increased by 2,2 per cent to 62,3 per cent.
The listed dams in the Lowveld region in the Ehlanzeni District responded differently to the rain, with some dams recording some slight improvements, and others continuing to drop.
“The report shows that despite last week’s rainfall, not a single dam in Mpumalanga reached 100% in terms of water volume. This clearly shows that water conservation and wise use of the available water is critical for security of supply and water security in this water-scarce country,” the DWS said in a statement.
“As we continue to receive some rain, DWS encourages the public to practice rainwater harvesting and ensure human safety by not trying to cross flooded rivers and roads.”
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