Dam levels across the country continue to decrease despite rains in some parts

Water levels in various dams across the country continue to decrease despite good rains recorded in some parts over the weekend. 

The weekly dam bulletin released by NamWater on Monday shows water levels in most dams dropped by 1% this week compared to last week. 

The Hardap Dam decreased from 12.2% last week to 11.7% this week.

This time last season, Hardap Dam’s water level stood at 41%. 

The declining water level remains a cause for concern for residents of Mariental and Hardap Dam Irrigation Scheme farmers depending on the water supply from Hardap Dam. 

Dawid De Klerk, chairperson of the Hardap Farmers Association, says it was agreed that water supply to the irrigation scheme would be suspended at the end of next month.

The water irrigation suspension decision was taken with the utmost care to secure potable water for both residents and livestock. 

Other dams have similarly seen a decline in water levels this week compared to last week.

Swakoppoort Dam dropped from 39% to 38.6%, Omatako from 0.7% to 0.4%, Otjivero Main Dam from 4.6% to 4.5%, Otjivero Slit Dam from 1% to 1.7%, Tilda Viljoen Dam from 5.1% to 4.5%, Neckartal Dam from 83.7% to 83.5%, Naute Dam from 39.8% to 39.3%, Oanob Dam from 42.7% to 42.3%, Friedenua 55.4% to 55%, and Olushandja from 37.4% to 36.6%. 

Only Goreangab Dam has shown an upsurge from 99.5% last week to 102.1% this week, while the water level of Daan Viljoen Dam remains unchanged at 5.5%.