NamWater and the City of Windhoek have announced their intention to implement stringent water demand-saving measures in the central area amid declining water levels in three major supply dams.
The proposed decision comes as the three dams—Omatako, Von Bach, and Swakoppoort—have not experienced any water inflows and currently have a combined capacity of 22.2%, a significant decrease from 39.9% at the same time in 2023.
“Due to the persistent poor rainy season being experienced, the latest calculations indicate that the breaching of two rainy seasons may no longer be possible. This could have potentially serious repercussions for water supply in the Central Areas, and additional water demand management measures may be necessary,” NamWater and the City of Windhoek said in a joint statement.
The authorities ,however , noted that the water supply from a multiple water source integrated system has allowed them to continue supplying water without interruptions during frequently challenging seasons.
The system is further augmented with water through a groundwater conveyance canal from the Karst Aquifer at Kombat and Berg Aukas near Grootfontein.
“The water supply is also supplemented with water from the Windhoek Aquifer and the new Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant, operated by WINGOC, as part of critical interventions aimed at addressing water supply shortfalls,” authorities added.
In 2023, NamWater, along with its stakeholders, conducted a workshop to review and evaluate adopted strategies, considering the current situation regarding water supply. Appropriate strategies were developed and adopted to ensure water supply security to the Central Areas, covering at least the next two rainy seasons—a situation that is no longer feasible.
“These strategies included water demand management, comprising a 10% reduction in water consumption (Category C Water Demand Management) and predicted water inflow into the three supply dams according to the long-term observed statistical model.”
“Unfortunately, aided by exceptionally high temperatures since October 2023, water consumption has been consistently above the savings target, further depleting available water stock faster than predicted. “
