Dam levels on the rise
River levels lower than a year ago
Significant increases in dam levels were recorded in the past week at Swakoppoort, Von Bach, Omatako, Otjivero main, Daan Viljoen, Hardap, Neckartal, Naute, Oanob and Omatjenne dams.Countrywide, dams now stand at a collective 56.1% capacity compared to last year’s 56.6%, according to the latest NamWater dam bulletin.
“This inflow is encouraging, especially for the central region, where water supply remains a priority,” NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said in a statement.
The Omatako dam had a significant inflow of 5.917 million cubic metres (m³), which increased its level from a meager 5.4% last week to 19%. Last year in the corresponding period, Omatako was almost empty at 1%.
The Swakoppoort dam received an inflow of 4.196 million m³, which increased its level from 27.4% to 34%.
The Von Bach dam increased from 26.3% to 27.5% after an inflow of 0.549 million m³. Last year at the same time, the Von Bach dam was only at 12% capacity.
According to NamWater, water is still being pumped from Swakoppoort to Von Bach to support Windhoek and surrounding areas.
South
The bonfires are still burning high in Mariental, especially among irrigation farmers after 100% irrigation could be restored at the Hardap scheme.
Hardap had a notable 5.311 million m³ inflow, which has increased from 22.1% to 23.9% since last week. Last year at the same time, the dam was only 14.9% full.
The country's largest dam, the Neckartal, now stands at 81.1% capacity after an inflow of 10.553 million m³.
The Naute at Keetmanshoop had an inflow of 0.004 million m³, bringing its level to 31.9%. Last year at this time, the Naute stood at 42.4%.
The Oanob dam at Rehoboth increased by 0.060 million m³, bringing it to 33.6% compared to last year's 44.4%.
East
Dams in the east are collectively 2.2% full compared to last year's 3.5%.
The Otjivero Main dam had an inflow of 0.041 million m³, bringing it to 1.8%. The Daan Viljoen dam rose by 0.001 million m³, raising its level to 10.4%. The Tilda Viljoen dam at Gobabis is still empty.
In the north, the Omatjenne dam recorded an inflow of 0.143 million m³ and now stands at 2.8%.
“While this inflow provides some relief, NamWater appeals to the public to continue to use water responsibly to ensure long-term sustainability,” the spokesperson said.
River levels
The Zambezi river at Katima Mulilo recorded a rise of 1.08 m to 1.13 m on Monday, according to the Namibia Hydrological Service. However, it is still lower than the level of 1.7 m recorded at the same time last year.
The Kavango river at Rundu rose by 9 cm and stood at a level of 5.34 m. The river level at the Rundu hydrological station is lower compared to the corresponding period last year of 5.58 m.
The Kunene river at Ruacana flowed at 296.9 m³ per second on Monday.
In the Lower Orange river, the water level at Blouputs stood at 0.62 and at Sendelingsdrift at 0.07 m.
The favourable rainfall conditions have shifted eastwards and according to the Namibia Meteorological Service, cloudy and very warm weather is expected today with isolated showers in the far northern, eastern and southeastern regions and the Otjozondjupa region. – [email protected]