The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) latest weekly state of reservoirs report reveals a mixed dam level trend across Mpumalanga, with the majority of dams showing declines, some remaining stable, and a few recording marginal improvements.

According to the report, the average dam levels in the province dropped from 100.3% to 100.1%. In the Water Management Areas (WMA), the Limpopo–Olifants WMA recorded a slight improvement from 101.0% to 101.2%, and the Inkomati–Usuthu WMA dropped from 100.2% to 100.1%.

Water levels remained unchanged at 100.8% in the Ehlanzeni District. Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts recorded declines, dropping from 100.2% to 99.9% and 100.1% to 99.8%, respectively.

The listed dams in the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District recorded mixed results. Among those that showed declines were Longmere Dam, which dropped from 101.8% to 101.3%; Klipkopjes Dam, from 100.8% to 100.4%; Primkop Dam, from 102.6% to 101.7%; and Inyaka Dam, from 100.3% to 100.1%.

Dams which show some improvements include Blyderivierpoort Dam from 101.4% to 101.6%, Buffelskloof Dam from 100.5% to 100.6%, Driekoppies Dam from 100.9% to 101.0%, and Witklip Dam from 100.8% to 101.1%.

Dams which remained unchanged in water levels include Kwena at 101.0%, Da Gama at 100.3%, and Ohrigstad at 100.2%.

The Gert Sibande District recorded a mixture of declines and a few improvements. On the positive, Nooitgedacht Dam increased from 100.0% to 100.4%, Vygeboom Dam from 100.1% to 100.2%, and Morgenstond Dam from 100.0% to 100.3%.

Dams which recorded declines include Grootdraai from 101.2% to 100.7%, Jericho from 100.2% to 100.0%, Westoe from 78.4% to 77.2%, and Heyshope from 102.5% to 102.2%.

Witbank Dam is the only listed dam in the Nkangala District which recorded an improvement in water levels, increasing from 98.2% to 98.6%. The other dams recorded declines, which include Middelburg Dam dropping from 97.0% to 96.7%, Loskop Dam from 100.7% to 100.5%, and Rhenosterkop Dam from 100.5% to 100.0%.

While dam levels remain relatively high, the mixed trends serve as an early warning. With the dry winter season approaching, residents, industries and all water users are urged to intensify water conservation efforts.

South Africa is a water-scarce country, and sustained water security depends on responsible usage. Every drop saved today contributes to safeguarding water availability for current and future generations.