Sluices open at Grootdraai Dam in Standerton
The Department of Water and Sanitation in Mpumalanga indicated in their weekly state of reservoirs report, dated December 6 that water levels benefited from the rain.
Two sluices at Grootdraai Dam were opened, 1,5m each, on Wednesday, December 8 with water levels standing at 106,94% at 11:00.
A warning was subsequently posted on the Facebook-page of the Standerton Advertiser about possible flooding.
The newspaper noticed a few locals, intent on watching the rising river level, at the Standerton River Park the same day.
The Department of Water and Sanitation in Mpumalanga indicated in their weekly state of reservoirs report, dated December 6 that water levels benefited from the rain.
Rainfall in Standerton continued on December 6 and December 7, with temperatures dropping noticeably.
According to the department, average levels in the listed dams recorded another improvement and further increased from last week’s 74,9% to 79,6%.
The water management areas (WMA) also recorded improvements in water volumes, with the Olifants WMA increasing from 66,6% to 68,0% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA increasing from 83,6% to 87,1%.
“Despite the noticeable improvements in most dams and catchment areas, Longmere Dam in Ehlanzeni District and Westoe Dam in Gert Sibande District recorded some declines, dropping from 80,6% to 80,0% and 37,9% to 31,0% respectively,” the statement read.
Listed dams that recorded improvements in the Gert Sibande District include Grootdraai Dam from 72,5% to 88,2%, Nooitgedacht from 96,9% to 100,0%, Vygeboom from 94,2% to 96,6%, Jericho from 79,6% to 81,0%, Morgenstond from 78,3% to 82,7% and Heyshope from 83,1% to 91,3%.
The department encouraged the public to continue using water wisely, sparingly and in a more conservative manner despite the falling rain.
“Let us also practice rainwater harvesting to relieve the strain on our municipal systems to contribute to water security for the current and future generations as South Africa is a dry and water scarce country,” the statement concluded.
They also encouraged the public to prioritise their safety and the safety of their belongings as this much needed rainfall is associated with thunderstorms and flashfloods.
