Lowveld’s dam levels increase after recent rain

The recent rains have led to rises in water levels in all but one of the listed dams in the Lowveld.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report, as issued on Monday May 8, the Da Gama Dam is the only dam in the region that did not record an improvement in water levels, but remained unchanged at 100.3%.

Ohrigstad Dam remains the only listed dam below full capacity, even though it recorded an increase from 97.5% to 98.6%.

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The listed dams above 100% that recorded improvements in water levels include Blyderivierspoort from 100.6% to 100.8%, Buffelskloof from 100.3% to 100.6%, Driekoppies from 100.8% to 100.9%, Longmere from 100.7% to 101.3%, Klipkopjes from 99.6% to 100.6%, Witklip from 100.4% to 100.8%, Primkop from 100% to 100.4%, Kwena from 100.4% to 100.6%, Inyaka from 100.2% to 100.5%, and Vygeboom from 100.7% to 100.8%.

The increase in water levels in the listed dams are in line with the provincial water status. Mpumalanga recorded an average dam level increase of 0.3% from 98.5% to 98.8%.

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In the Water Management Areas (WMAs), the Olifants WMA increased from 89.5% to 89.9% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA increased from 99.6% to 99.7%.

In terms of the districts, Ehlanzeni increased from 100.4% to 100.6%, Gert Sibande dropped slightly from 98.5% to 98.4% and Nkangala increased from 96.9% to 97.7%.

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The DWS welcomes the rain and encourages the public to continue using water wisely and sparingly, especially as we are approaching the dry winter season. The department reminded the public that South Africa remains a water-scarce country and every drop counts.

The DWS further encouraged the public to be extra cautious during rainy days.