Dams (slowly) filling up
NamWater: Water still needs to be saved
Since the good, nationwide rains in catchment areas, several dams have received significant inflows, including Von Bach, Swakoppoort, Omatako, Friedenau, Oanob, Hardap, Naute, Neckartal and the Otjivero silt dam.According to NamWater’s latest bulletin, this indicates a positive trend in the country’s water storage levels.
“This inflow is encouraging, especially for the central region of Namibia where water supply security remains a priority,” said NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata.
He said water will be pumped from the Swakoppoort Dam to the Von Bach Dam from Sunday, which is expected to support Windhoek's water needs.
“However, NamWater appeals to the public to maintain responsible water consumption despite the positive developments,” Ndamanomhata said.
Central areas
The Swakoppoort Dam had an inflow of 1.955 million cubic metres (Mm³), bringing its level to 27.4% of its capacity. Last year at the same time, the dam stood at 42.4% capacity.
• The Von Bach Dam recorded an increase of 0.840 Mm³, which now stands at 26.3%, compared to last year’s 12.3%.
• The Omatako Dam increased by 0.392 Mm³, raising its level to 5.3%. This is fuller than the 1.1% of the same period last year.
• The Friedenau Dam, east of Windhoek, had an inflow of 0.043 Mm³, which now stands at 46.8% capacity. Last year at the same time, the dam was 57% full.
South
All eyes are on the Hardap Dam at Mariental which had a significant inflow of 21.615 Mm³, pushing its level up to 22.1% on Monday. As of 06:00 yesterday, the dam was 22.6% full after having an inflow of 16.3 cubic metres of water per second. A week ago, the dam level was at 14.8% and a year ago, the dam was 15.7% full. In the meantime, it was announced that full irrigation could resume.
• The Neckartal Dam, the country’s largest dam by capacity, had an inflow of 0.727 Mm³, pushing it up to 79.8%. This is still lower than last year’s level of 85.1%.
• The Naute Dam at Keetmanshoop had an inflow of 4.093 Mm³, pushing its level up to 31.9%, still lower than last year’s level of 43.9%.
• The Oanob Dam at Rehoboth had an inflow of 0.177 Mm³, bringing it to 33.4%, a lower level than last year’s 44.9%.
East
The Otjivero Silt Dam received 0.079 Mm³, raising its level to 2.7%.
The combined capacity of the eastern dams stands at a low 2% compared to last year’s 3.6%. The Tilda Viljoen Dam in Gobabis is still empty.
Flash flood warnings
The Namibia Meteorological Service has again issued warnings about heavy storms and possible flash floods in the northern regions and Khomas region for the rest of the week.
The Namibia Meteorological Service indicated that the weather bureau would like to establish more weather stations nationwide. Interested parties will be provided with a rain gauge with calibrated glass and the book. Interested parties who would like to measure rain, contact Simon Dirkse at 081 159 9663 or by email at [email protected]. – [email protected]