Weekend rains bring slight increase in Mpumalanga dam levels
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report of 28 January 2019 shows that dam levels in the Mpumalanga Province recorded a slight increase of 0.2% from 67.6% last week to 67.8% this week. The report also shows that Inkomati- Usuthu catchment recorded a slight increase from 69.4% last week to 69.6% this week whilst the Olifants catchment slightly decreased from 58.3% to 58.2% during the same period.
The listed dams in the Province recorded mixed reactions, with the Gert Sibande District recording decreases in most dams.
In the Inkomati catchment in the Ehlanzeni District, Driekoppies Dam slightly increased from 64.5% to 64.9%, Klipkopjes Dam increased from 47.6% to 48.5%, Witklip Dam increased from 81.3% to 82.1%, Kwena Dam increased from 36.3% to 37.5%, and Inyaka Dam increased from 58.9% to 59.0%. On the other hand, Longmere Dam decreased from 67.5% to 64.8%, Primkop Dam decreased from 40.0% to 35.4% and Da Gama Dam decreased from 69.7% to 69.0%.
Dams in the Olifants catchment in the Nkangala District also recorded mixed reactions, with Witbank Dam remaining unchanged at 88.3%, Middelburg Dam slightly increasing from 94.0% to 94.1%, and Loskop Dam dropping from 83.0% to 82.7%.
In the Gert Sibande District, which also covers the Usuthu catchment, Grootdraai Dam increased from 75.4% to 75.6%, Nooitgedacht Dam increased from 99.7% to 103.1% and Westoe Dam increased from 52.8% to 52.9%. Vygeboom Dam on the other hand dropped from 101.9% to 101.7%, Heyshope Dam dropped from 79.8% to 79.6%, Morgenstond Dam dropped from 64.6% to 64.0% and Jericho Dam dropped from 66.0% to 65.6%.
The report clearly shows that even though we receive some rain, it is not enough to make a major change in water levels in our dams. Despite some rain, the Kwena Dam still remain critically below the 40% mark. This therefore calls for all to hold hands and work together to conserve the little available water for water security and sustainable water supply for all.
For more information contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 082 874 2942
