The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has noted a continued decline in water levels across Mpumalanga, although current storage remains higher than the same period last year. This is according to the latest State of Reservoirs report issued on 18 August 2025.
The provincial average dropped slightly from 98.2% to 97.8%, which is still significantly above last year’s 89.8%. In the Water Management Areas, the Limpopo-Olifants declined from 93.4% to 93.1%, an improvement compared to 78.9% recorded last year, while the Inkomati-Usuthu fell from 97.1% to 96.7%, also higher than the 90.6% recorded in 2024.
At district level, water storage also reflects minor declines, but remains stronger than the same period last year. In Ehlanzeni District, levels dropped from 94.7% to 94.2%, which is still higher than last year’s 92.1%. Gert Sibande District recorded a decrease from 98.5% to 98.3%, yet this is well above the 86.5% observed last year. Nkangala District dropped from 100.7% to 100.2%, but remains significantly higher than the 92.9% recorded last year.
Several dams across the province recorded declines, including Blyderivierpoort which fell from 96.3% to 95.3%, Klipkopjes which dropped from 93.6% to 88.1%, and Primkop which decreased from 89.4% to 85.7%. However, some dams showed resilience, with Longmere Dam improving markedly from 83.4% to 97.4%, Middelburg Dam increasing from 94.6% to 95.4%, and Da Gama Dam remaining unchanged at 95.5%.
In the Gert Sibande District, Grootdraai Dam remained stable at 98.6% and is the only dam in the area not to record a decline. Other dams in the district experienced slight decreases, including Nooitgedacht which dropped from 100.3% to 99.4%, Vygeboom from 100.4% to 100.2%, and Westoe from 81.9% to 79.8%.
Although water levels remain satisfactory and higher than last year’s figures, the Department urges communities in Mpumalanga and across the country to continue practicing strict water conservation. South Africa is one of the 30 driest countries in the world, and every drop counts as water has no substitute.
Enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
Themba Khoza
Cell: 066 301 6962
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