Mpumalanga’s dam levels increase, some water reservoirs approach full capacity
Nearly all of Mpumalanga's dams record increased water levels.
Widespread rainfall across Mpumalanga and large parts of the country over the past week has boosted dam levels. This comes as a relief following the gradual decline in levels during the winter months.
Mpumalanga’s overall dam capacity this week has risen from 88.5% to 89.3%. Crocodile East and West have risen from 82.5% to 82.9%, and 84.9% to 89.4% respectively.
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Nearly all of Mpumalanga’s dams recorded an increase over the past week, with some dams approaching full capacity, although it is still only early summer. These include Heyshope (99.3%), Loskop (97.9%), Morgenstond (99.1%) and Witbank (98.2%). The Kwena Dam recorded a slight increase from 82.5% to 82.9%.
The Integrated Vaal River System, the biggest system in the country, which is comprised of 14 dams with catchments in four provinces, namely the Free State, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga and North West, elevated from last week’s 91.5% to 93.3% this week.
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The weekly dam levels report issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation has indicated a slight increase of the water levels in the reservoirs of the country to 89.8% this week, compared to last week’s 87.6%. This is a notable improvement from last year’s 77.8%.
The departmental spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, has cautioned residents to continue utilising water sparingly, although recent rainfall has thrown a lifeline at the catchments. He urged water users to be prudent in the way they use the available water, since we are not out of the woods yet.
