The storage dams supplying water to Windhoek have dropped to critical levels even lower than after the devastating drought of 2013.

According to a report by Namibian Newspaper, New Era, there are fears the city might completely run out of water by the middle of next year, as the rainy season officially ended this month, dashing hopes of any major water inflows into these dams.

The City of Windhoek might consider severe water restrictions if the situation does not improve soon.

The capital is dependent on NamWater for 65 percent of its water and it cannot sustain itself with groundwater and reclaimed water.

Possible restrictions could include higher water bills and even water rationing during certain hours of the day, especially in the months ahead.

Both NamWater and the City of Windhoek have warned repeatedly since the beginning of the year that the water situation in Windhoek is critical.

According to NamWater’s latest dam bulletin, the storage capacity of dams countrywide has now dropped to just 48 percent of full capacity, compared to 59 percent in the corresponding period last year.

Dams supplying Windhoek, as the economic and business hub of the central areas, have reached their lowest levels in decades with Swakoppoort Dam, Von Bach Dam, the Omatako Dam and the Friedenhau Dam just 29.5 percent full on average.

Last year at the same time, dams were 59 percent full.

The three reservoirs supplying Windhoek – the Omatako (5.6 percent full), Swakoppoort and Von Bach dams (35.3 and 35.8 percent full, respectively) – have all reached critically low levels.

If there are no significant inflows, NamWater predicts that Von Bach will run dry by June next year and the Swakoppoort Dam by July next year.

The City of Windhoek has urged residents to use their water sparingly otherwise Windhoek could face a water disaster.

–New Era