WINDHOEK, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) and the City of Windhoek raised concerns on Friday as the combined water level in the Central Area of Namibia's (CAN) three dams hit 22 percent of full capacity, signaling potential water supply shortages amid an ongoing poor rainy season.

       The central region heavily relies on an integrated water supply system fed by three interconnected dams but with the persistent absence of rainfall and associated runoff in the face of highly variable climatic conditions, the water supply system is now facing a critical challenge.

       "With the rainy season underway and the end of January approaching, no water inflow into any of the three dams has been recorded," the two organizations said in a joint statement.

       The system, which successfully sustained water supply through frequent dry seasons, draws water not only from interconnected dams but also from groundwater sources while a new Water Reclamation Plant is employed as part of crucial interventions to address supply shortfalls, particularly in the capital city Windhoek.

       Last year, the water corporation scrutinized the effectiveness of previously adopted strategies leading to the development of new strategies aimed at securing water supply for at least the next two rainy seasons.

       "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," the statement said.

       In response to the alarming situation, NamWater and the City of Windhoek are urging all consumers and stakeholders to comply with Water Demand Management measures implemented by the relevant authorities while emphasizing that the situation will be closely monitored as the rainy season unfolds.

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