Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) says there have been no improvements in water levels in the southern part of the country during the recent rain season around the festive season.
The corporation said if the water demand by consumers goes high in a short period of time the remaining water in the dam(s) in the south will be depleted faster.
Also the shortfall in supply which WUC is already experiencing will be increased and to mitigate this, WUC might have to increase the water rationing days. Currently most areas in the Greater Gaborone area have their water cut thrice a week.
WUC Corporate and Communications, Manager Matida Mmipi, said that water quality of the end product does not change because of dam levels. She added that the corporation still treats its water to the same quality.
“Water restrictions and water rationing will be maintained, if the levels continue to drop these will be stepped up. All water users are urged to adopt water conservation as a way of life,” said Mmipi.
She also emphasized that the public should consider using potable water only for necessities like drinking, cooking, bathing and added that for other things use non-potable water which includes borehole water and recycled water sold at WUC.
“Molatedi dam supplies other consumers in South Africa and Botswana gets 7.3 million cubic metres per year, but the figure is reduced to half when the dam is below 26 percent which is equivalent to 11Ml/day,” she stated.
Mmipi pointed out that it should be noted that the amount is insignificant considering the demand of the greater Gaborone area  and it amounts to only 8 percent at half allocate.
She emphasized that WUC is concerned by the high rate of non-compliance to the restrictions and warns defaulters that stern measures will be taken against all non-complain t water users who disregard water restrictions.
From second week of January, WUC dam levels latest readings for Gaborone dam are 12 percent, Bokaa dam at 5. 8 pecent, Nnywane dam is at 16.7 percent. Letsibogo dam level is 83.5 percent, Shashe dam at 92.2 percent while Dikhatlhong dam is seating at 42.4 percent. The reading at Lotsane is at 77.5 percent and Thune dam is at 66.7 percent.
Climate change is said to be one of the major contributors to the changing rainy seasons in the country and also has affected the inflow of water to various water catchment areas.
