Good rains boost water levels

as authorities urge sustainable use

As Namibia experiences the current rainy season, the country’s water supply systems are undergoing critical assessments. Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater), the entity responsible for ensuring the sustainable distribution of water resources across the nation, has provided valuable insights into the state of water levels, water preservation strategies and long-term water security in light of ongoing climatic challenges.

Improved Water Levels

NamWater’s head of public relations and corporate communications, Lot Ndamanomhata, says the current dam levels have shown moderate improvement due to recent rainfall. Major dams such as the Swakoppoort, Hardap and Von Bach dams have recorded notable increases in their water levels, bringing hope to communities and industries that depend on these vital resources. Swakoppoort Dam increased from 24.4% to 24.8%, Von Bach Dam rose from 23.5% to 23.9% and Hardap Dam, which is a key reservoir, increased from 14.8% to 16.4%, with an inflow of 4.845 Mm³. Ndamanomhata explains that compared to previous years, this year’s levels remain below historical averages despite the improvement from this time last year, when several dams were below 10% capacity. However, the current inflows offer a positive outlook for improved water availability. While this improvement is encouraging, NamWater stresses the need for continued vigilance, as certain areas have not received sufficient rainfall to recover fully from previous droughts.

Drought Impact

Namibia’s water crisis in recent years has been marked by erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts. These conditions placed immense pressure on the country’s reservoirs and groundwater sources. The current rainfall, though beneficial, highlights the importance of building resilience against future dry spells. According to NamWater, central and southern regions, particularly reliant on the Swakoppoort, Von Bach and Hardap dams, were severely affected by drought in the past. “This season, rainfall has partially alleviated the drought conditions, with positive inflows recorded at these dams. However, areas in the Kunene and northern Namibia remain vulnerable due to erratic rainfall patterns. Continued monitoring and water management are essential to address these disparities,” says Ndamanomhata.

Preservation Efforts

The water utility emphasises that effective water management can mitigate shortages in the future. Efforts include:

• Ensuring that all inflows are captured and managed efficiently to replenish dam levels.

• Repairing and upgrading water pipelines and reservoirs to minimise losses.

• Enhancing dam and river monitoring to better predict and manage inflows.

• Educating the public on water-saving practices, even during periods of higher rainfall.

Efforts to enhance water security are gaining momentum with large-scale water harvesting projects aimed at increasing storage capacity and diversifying supply sources. Ongoing feasibility studies are assessing the potential for new dams and reservoirs to expand the country’s overall water storage infrastructure, addressing the growing demand for reliable water supply. In addition, the government is scaling up desalination projects along the coastline, aiming to reduce dependency on traditional rainfall-dependent sources and mitigate the impact of climate variability on freshwater availability. Groundwater development initiatives are also being reinforced, focusing on recharge systems and improved extraction methods to ensure a more resilient and diversified water supply network.

NamWater encourages individuals and businesses to contribute to water preservation during periods of higher water availability by implementing the following actions:

Individuals:

• Use water-efficient appliances.

• Repair leaks promptly.

• Harvest rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

Businesses:

• Implement water recycling and reuse systems in operations.

• Reduce water-intensive practices.

• Partner with NamWater on community water conservation programmes.

Water Quality

The water utility has implemented a series of rigorous strategies to address water quality concerns during and after periods of heavy rainfall, ensuring safe and reliable water supply for communities across the country. The water utility prioritises enhanced monitoring by conducting frequent water quality tests at treatment plants and reservoirs to detect contaminants introduced by increased runoff during rainy seasons. To further safeguard public health, upgraded filtration systems equipped with advanced technology are used to remove sediment, pathogens and other impurities from inflow water sources. Ndamanomhata says public advisories are issued timely in cases where water quality may be temporarily affected to guide residents on precautionary measures. Additionally, the company collaborates closely with local authorities and municipalities to ensure clean water distribution networks remain in place, minimising disruptions and maintaining water safety standards.

Water Security And Supply

“NamWater is adopting a multifaceted approach to tackle the impacts of climate change on water resources,” says Ndamanomhata. Key initiatives include strengthening infrastructure resilience, diversifying water supply sources, the adoption of integrated water resource management (IWRM) and community engagement. To improve access in underserved areas, investment is being increased in rural infrastructure, focusing on the construction of new boreholes and expanded pipeline networks to reach remote communities. In the agricultural sector, the utility is promoting smart irrigation technologies that enhance water efficiency, helping farmers optimise usage while maintaining productivity. NamWater’s strategy also emphasises regional collaboration and partnerships with local authorities and regional bodies to implement balanced resource allocation and efficient water transport systems that will strengthen nationwide water security.

Maggie Forcelledo Paz