Water levels continue to rise across Mpumalanga
All three provincial districts recorded an improvement in water levels.
Water levels continue to rise at the Kwena Dam, upstream of the City of Mbombela in the Lowveld region.
According to the latest weekly state of reservoirs report from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), dated April 28, the Kwena Dam continues to increase in water levels, rising from 100.7% to 101.1% over the past week.
Dams which recorded improvements in water levels include Buffelskloof, increasing from 100.6% to 100.7%; Driekopjes, from 94.0% to 94.5%; Longmere, from 100.9% to 101.1%; Injaka, from 98.4% to 99.4%; Ohrigstad, from 75.6% to 77.2%; Nooitgedacht, from 99.4% to 100.4%, and Vygeboom, from 100.9% to 101.5%.
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The three districts of the Mpumalanga Province recorded improvements in water levels, with Ehlanzeni increasing from 97.1% to 97.6%, Gert Sibande from 101.6% to 102.0%, and Nkangala from 101.6% to 103.2%.
The increase in the Kwena Dam is a reflection of most listed dams in the Lowveld, with only three listed dams recording a decline in water levels, with Blyderivierpoort dropping from 100.6% to 100.5%; Klipkopjes from 100.2% to 100.0%; and Primkop from 101.3% to 101.1%. Witklip and Da Gama dams remained unchanged at 100.4% and 100.3%, respectively.
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The Inkomati-Usuthu water management area increased from 99.3% to 99.6%.
While water levels in the province remain satisfactory, South Africa remains a water-scarce country and the dry winter season is approaching. The DWS continues to encourage citizens to use water wisely and sparingly, adding that the public can enhance water conservation efforts and minimise water losses by promptly reporting and fixing leaks.
As much of the country continues to receive rainfall, the DWS urges people to stay away from raging watercourses and be extra cautious around swollen rivers, flooded roads and bridges. The department also calls on the public to respect floodlines and refrain from erecting buildings on these.
