Windhoek: The latest NamWater bulletin indicates a significant decline in flow rates, with northern and border river systems facing increased pressure. The bulletin, released on Tuesday, reported a downward trend in major rivers in the northern territories. The Kunene River, essential for hydropower in the Omusati Region, has notably declined.

According to Namibia Press Agency, flow rates at the Ruacana station are now 220.64 cubic meters per second, down 77.5 cubic meters per second since the last report on 08 June 2026. Water levels at the Calueque Dam on the Kunene River have decreased by 0.11 meters, currently standing at 1 097.71 meters.

Additionally, the bulletin indicates similar patterns for the Okavango River at Rundu and the Zambezi River at Katima Mulilo. Water levels at Rundu have fallen by 0.33 meters to 5.18 meters, while the Zambezi at Katima Mulilo has decreased by 0.42 meters to 3.41 meters.

Data for the Orange River revealed local variations in flow and volume. At border stations Noordoewer and Rosh Pinah, water levels have also decreased, with Noordoewer dropping 0.60 meters to 2.10 meters and Rosh Pinah experiencing the largest decline in the report, down 0.78 meters to 2.69 meters. Conversely, the Orange River at Upington increased by 0.28 meters to 2.48 meters, and further downstream at Blouputs, the river level rose slightly by 0.04 meters to 1.54 meters.