Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
WATER SITUATION AT 12:00 ON 18 DECEMBER 1995
Soaking rains have led to floods in places and are filling up some dams.
DAM TODAY LAST WEEK --- ----- --------- Vaal Dam 32% 27% Goedertrouw Dam 23% 22% Tzaneen Dam 1,3% 1,0% Ebenezer Dam 9% 8% Umgeni Dams (all) 55% 43% Gwena Dam 16% 14% Gariep Dam 35% 34%
The lifting of restrictions will be considered once water storage in Vaal Dam exceeds 60%. The reason is that Sterkfontein Dam, the major back-up dam,l is relatively low at 45%. The latter dam can only be replenished artificially at a rate of, at most, 21 cm3/s from Woodstock Dam (43%). The inflow into Vaal Dam is at present 1 100 m3/s.
As far as floods are concerned, the Klipspruit upstream of Ladysmith in Natal is still within its banks but water levels are rising. The local warning system will keep residents informed of the situation.
The Bospoort Dam near Rustenburg is spilling with an inflow of 400 m3/s. Unconfirmed reports say that there is some damage to a downstream squatter camp.
The Orange River is flowing strongly with the following flows measured:
Aliwal North 220 m3/s and rising Oranje Draai near Lesotho border 700 m3/s below Welbedacht Dam 142 m/s At this stage there is no known flood danger, but the situation could change with more rain. Enquiries: Mr Claus Triebel (012) 299-2206/7 Ms Christa Barnard (012) 299-2596