The Department of Water and Sanitation has urged communities and water users across Mpumalanga to use water sparingly despite recent rainfall bringing a slight rise in dam levels.

The latest Weekly State of Reservoirs Report, released on September 7, shows that average dam levels in Mpumalanga marginally increased from 98.4% to 98.6%. Water management areas, including Inkomati-Usuthu, increased from 97.9% to 98.1%.

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Ehlanzeni and Lowveld dam levels rise

Ehlanzeni District also recorded improvements, increasing from 100% to 100.2%.

The report shows that the majority of dams listed in the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District recorded improvements, with the exception of Da Gama Dam, which remained unchanged at 100.3%, and Ohrigstad Dam, which declined from 91.7% to 91%.

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Dams that recorded improvements include Blyderivierspoort (100.2% to 100.3%), Buffelskloof (100.3% to 100.5%), Driekoppies (100.1% to 100.2%), Longmere (101.3% to 102.5%), Klipkopjes (99.6% to 101.8%), Witklip (100.3% to 100.6%), Primkop (101.1% to 103%), Kwena (100.2% to 100.4%), Inyaka (100.2% to 100.4%). Nooitgedacht (99.4% to 99.5%) and Vygeboom (100.3% to 100.4%)

Weather service warns of strong El Niño

The department reminded water users that every drop counts, as water has no substitute. It is therefore everyone’s responsibility to use available water wisely to ensure a sustainable supply, especially with the South African Weather Service predicting a strong El Niño outlook.

Water security depends on small, responsible actions, requiring households, businesses, farmers and other institutions to fix leaking taps and pipes, avoid unnecessary wastage, and report leaks to the relevant water services authorities.