Record inflows into central dams

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKThe inflow into the three dams supplying central Namibia exceeded all expectations during the past rainy season, reaching the third highest volume in the past 10 years.Central Namibia is supplied by the Omatako, Von Bach and Swakoppoort dams, augmented with groundwater from Kombat, Berg Aukas and the Karst boreholes via the Eastern National Water Carrier. Currently, the three dams have enough water to last for two years. However, water supply to the central area, which includes Windhoek, remains stressed in the midst of slightly below average rain having been received in the past season. This is according to a joint statement issued by NamWater and the City of Windhoek after a meeting held last week.Keep saving“This will remain the case until long-term supply augmentation options currently under investigation can be secured and all residents and consumers in the central area therefore need to remain vigilant in their consumption habits to ensure that water supply can be managed,” the statement read.Modelling predictions generated by NamWater show sufficient security of supply to adjust the water savings category for the next 12 months from the current Category D (15% saving required) to a Category B (5% saving required).With a 15% water savings target for the 2019/2020 supply period, consumers achieved savings of 16.3%. Water plans The workshop resolved to implement several strategies to optimise the water available for the next two years. These include transferring the available water from the Omatako and Swakoppoort dams to Von Bach Dam, implementing managed aquifer recharge, reducing supply from Windhoek boreholes and continuing production from the reclamation plant at the current rate. Other short-term measures are to sustain and manage a water demand strategy and to achieve a 5% water saving target. In the medium to long-term, the workshop resolved to develop and enhance the water supply from the Ohangwena II and the Abenab aquifers, develop affordable seawater desalination and invest more in research and development to improve water supply efficiency.

Record inflows into central dams

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

Please login to leave a comment

Record inflows into central dams

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

Please login to leave a comment

Login