The continuous drop in water levels across Mpumalanga Province has prompted authorities to call on residents to intensify water conservation efforts, particularly as the dry winter season approaches.

According to the latest Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) weekly State of Reservoirs report released on April 6, the province’s average dam levels declined slightly from 100.6% to 100.3%.

In the province’s Water Management Areas (WMAs), the Limpopo–Olifants WMA recorded a decrease from 101.8% to 101.0%, while the Inkomati–Usuthu WMA dropped from 100.5% to 100.2%.

All three districts in Mpumalanga also registered declines. Ehlanzeni District decreased from 101.2% to 100.8%, Gert Sibande from 100.5% to 100.2%, and Nkangala from 100.4% to 100.1%.

In the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District, most listed dams recorded declines, with only Longmere Dam remaining unchanged at 101.8%.

Dams that experienced decreases include Kwena Dam (101.4% to 101.0%), Driekoppies Dam (101.0% to 100.9%), Inyaka Dam (101.1% to 100.3%), Da Gama Dam (101.2% to 101.0%), Witklip Dam (101.1% to 100.8%), Primkop Dam (103.0% to 102.6%), Blyderivierpoort Dam (101.9% to 101.4%), Klipkopjes Dam (101.0% to 100.8%), Buffelskloof Dam (101.2% to 100.5%), and Ohrigstad Dam (100.3% to 100.2%).

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In the Gert Sibande District, most dams also showed declines. However, Nooitgedacht Dam improved slightly from 99.7% to 100.0%, while Heyshope Dam increased from 102.4% to 102.5%.

Dams that declined include Grootdraai Dam (101.5% to 101.2%), Vygeboom Dam (101.5% to 100.1%), Jericho Dam (100.5% to 100.2%), Westoe Dam (79.5% to 78.4%), and Morgenstond Dam (100.7% to 100.0%).

Nkangala District presented mixed results.

Witbank Dam remained unchanged at 98.2%, while Middelburg Dam saw a slight increase from 96.5% to 97.0%. Meanwhile, Loskop Dam declined from 101.1% to 100.7%, and Rhenosterkop Dam dropped from 101.1% to 100.5%.

Despite the majority of dams still recording levels above 100%, the DWS has reiterated the importance of water conservation to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for both current and future generations.

Residents are urged to use water responsibly by fixing leaks, reporting burst pipes to relevant authorities, and protecting water infrastructure from vandalism and theft.

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