Combined storage drops toward the 40 per cent mark
Dam levels supplying Nelson Mandela Bay are steadily approaching a critical threshold as drought conditions persist across the Eastern Cape.
As of 16 March 2026, the metro’s combined dam levels measured 40.29 per cent. This figure sits just above the 40 per cent level, where water security begins to tighten significantly.
Engineers also warn that roughly 10 per cent of total dam capacity constitutes “dead storage.” This portion of water sits too low in the system for normal extraction. As a result, the usable supply is lower than the headline storage figure suggests.
Consequently, the available buffer continues to shrink while dry conditions persist across the region.
Eastern Cape drought classified as national disaster
The ongoing drought across the Eastern Cape previously received national disaster status from the National Disaster Management Centre under the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002.
This classification enables coordinated national support to assist affected municipalities as water resources decline.
The comparison with last year highlights the scale of the decline. At the same time in 2025, combined dam levels in Nelson Mandela Bay stood at 73.85 per cent. The metro has therefore experienced a dramatic reduction in available water over the past twelve months.
Impofu Dam shows a sharp decline
The metro’s largest reservoir, Impofu Dam, illustrates the trend clearly.
At this time last year, the dam stood at 55.86 per cent capacity. Current levels are near 39 per cent after months of below-average rainfall and persistent drought.
Lower inflows continue to limit recovery across the entire dam system.
Water consumption remains above sustainable limits
While dam levels continue to drop, water consumption across the metro remains well above recommended limits.
The city currently uses around 373 million litres of water each day. This level exceeds the allocated sustainable limit by roughly 93 million litres per day.
Such high usage places additional pressure on already strained supplies.
The mayor calls for urgent water conservation
Babalwa Lobishe has urged residents to reduce consumption as the city approaches the critical threshold.
“Our combined dam levels are now dangerously close to the 40 per cent threshold, which places Nelson Mandela Bay’s water security under severe pressure,” Lobishe said.
She explained that the municipality continues to invest in infrastructure upgrades and drought mitigation measures. However, she stressed that infrastructure alone cannot resolve the crisis if demand remains high.
“I am calling on residents, businesses and institutions to drastically reduce their water usage,” she said.
Shared responsibility for water security
According to the mayor, water security depends on collective action across the metro.
By adopting water-saving habits and reducing unnecessary consumption, households and businesses can help stabilise the system while drought conditions continue.
Every reduction in demand helps extend the available supply and supports the city’s ability to operate during an increasingly challenging water cycle.
See also: Kromme Enviro-Trust Community Beach Clean-Up Day at St Francis Bay
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