By Phenyo Selinda
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has issued a crucial warning to the residents of Mpumalanga, urging them to use water sparingly in light of the recent drop in dam levels across the province. The call for action comes as the province experiences a slight but concerning decrease in water levels, with dam capacities falling from 86.0% last week to 85.1% this week. This reduction, although marginal, highlights the increasing pressure on water resources as drought conditions and other environmental factors continue to impact the region.
A Call for Immediate Action
In a statement released on Thursday, the department urged Mpumalanga residents to adopt water-saving measures and report any water leaks promptly. The DWS emphasized the importance of addressing infrastructure issues that contribute to water waste, particularly as the province grapples with dwindling water reserves. This call to action aligns with broader national efforts to conserve water as South Africa faces ongoing challenges related to climate change and water scarcity.
The department’s weekly status report on dam levels paints a sobering picture, revealing a downward trend across the Water Management Areas (WMA) within Mpumalanga. The Olifants WMA, a critical water management zone, saw its levels drop from 78.0% to 77.0%, while the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA experienced a decrease from 87.5% to 87.0%. These declines underscore the need for concerted efforts to manage water resources effectively and prevent further depletion.
District-Level Declines in Water Availability
Breaking down the data by district, the report highlights significant drops in water levels across key areas. In Ehlanzeni, water levels fell from 86.5% to 85.4%, reflecting a notable decrease in available resources for the district’s residents and agricultural activities. The Gert Sibande District saw its levels drop from 83.9% to 83.4%, while Nkangala experienced a more substantial decline, with dam levels falling from 89.1% to 87.7%.
These figures highlight the urgent need for communities to adopt sustainable water usage practices. Local authorities are also being called upon to implement stricter regulations and promote water conservation initiatives to mitigate the impact of these declines on both urban and rural populations.
Specific Dams at Risk
The report further detailed the specific dams within Mpumalanga that have recorded declines in water levels, particularly in the Ehlanzeni District and Lowveld regions. The Blyderivierpoort Dam, for instance, saw a significant drop from 79.0% to 76.6%, while Buffelskloof Dam decreased from 66.7% to 63.6%. Witklip, another critical dam in the region, recorded a reduction from 83.8% to 82.1%, and Kwena Dam dropped from 82.1% to 79.9%. The Da Gama Dam fell from 89.6% to 87.8%, Inyaka dropped from 89.9% to 88.7%, and Ohrigstad saw a sharp decrease from 35.0% to 29.9%.
These declines are particularly concerning given the importance of these dams in supporting agricultural activities, drinking water supplies, and other essential services in the region. If these trends continue, communities reliant on these water sources could face severe shortages in the coming months, particularly if rainfall levels remain below average.
Dams That Remained Stable
While the majority of Mpumalanga’s dams have recorded decreases, the report noted that a few dams have maintained stable water levels. In the Lowveld, Driekoppies Dam remains at 92.7%, providing some relief to the surrounding communities. Longmere Dam also remained stable at 91.1%, while Klipkopjes maintained its levels at 85.4%. Primkop Dam, however, continues to hold at a lower level of 50.8%, posing potential risks if levels drop further.
The Situation in Gert Sibande District
In the Gert Sibande District, water levels have also continued to decline, albeit at a slower pace than in other regions. Grootdraai Dam, one of the district’s key water sources, dropped from 77.1% to 76.0%. Nooitgedacht Dam saw a slight decrease from 79.8% to 79.2%, while Vygeboom recorded a drop from 98.1% to 96.9%. Westoe Dam, which plays a crucial role in supporting agriculture in the region, fell from 36.4% to 36.0%.
These declines reflect the broader trends seen across the province, with most dams experiencing lower-than-expected levels due to a combination of reduced rainfall and increased demand for water. The department has reiterated the need for local authorities and residents to work together to conserve water and prevent further reductions in supply.
Nkangala District: Further Declines in Water Volumes
The Nkangala District, another key region in Mpumalanga, has not been spared from the province-wide decrease in dam levels. The Witbank Dam, a vital water source for both residential and industrial use, saw its levels fall from 92.5% to 91.0%. Middelburg Dam also recorded a decline, dropping from 85.4% to 84.3%. Meanwhile, Loskop Dam, which supports extensive farming operations in the region, decreased from 90.2% to 88.5%. Rhenosterkop Dam also saw a drop in its levels, falling from 86.1% to 85.5%.
The ongoing decrease in water volumes across Nkangala’s dams raises concerns about the district’s ability to meet future water demands, particularly as the summer months approach. The department has urged residents to continue saving water, with a particular emphasis on fixing leaks and avoiding water wastage in both domestic and agricultural settings.
No Improvements in Sight
The DWS report made it clear that there have been no improvements in water levels in most of Mpumalanga’s dams. The only dams that have maintained their water levels are few and far between, with the majority showing consistent declines. The department expressed concern that without significant rainfall in the coming weeks, the situation could worsen, placing even more pressure on local water resources.
This warning comes at a time when South Africa is grappling with the effects of climate change, which has resulted in unpredictable weather patterns and prolonged droughts in various parts of the country. Mpumalanga, a province heavily reliant on agriculture, is particularly vulnerable to these changes, making the conservation of water even more critical.
The Need for Sustainable Water Practices
The DWS has called on both residents and businesses in Mpumalanga to adopt sustainable water practices to prevent further depletion of the province’s water resources. This includes reducing water usage wherever possible, fixing leaks promptly, and reporting any instances of water wastage to local authorities.
Water conservation has become a key focus for the department, particularly as the country continues to face challenges related to water scarcity. By adopting sustainable practices now, residents and businesses can help ensure that there is enough water to meet the needs of future generations.
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
In addition to urging residents to save water, the DWS has outlined several initiatives aimed at improving water management in Mpumalanga. These include ongoing infrastructure upgrades to reduce water losses, increased monitoring of water usage, and efforts to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation.
The department has also indicated that it will be working closely with local municipalities to ensure that water-saving measures are implemented effectively and that residents are kept informed about the status of water resources in their areas. These efforts are expected to play a crucial role in preventing further declines in water levels and ensuring that Mpumalanga’s water resources are managed sustainably in the long term.
Despite these initiatives, the outlook remains uncertain, with the possibility of further declines in water levels if rainfall remains scarce. The DWS has reiterated its call for residents to remain vigilant and continue conserving water to help mitigate the effects of the current water crisis.
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