Dam safety – ensuring the integrity of SA’s 5 000+ registered dams

Abstract

Characterised as a semi-arid country, South Africa is extremely dependent on its dams for water supply. In addition to an annual rainfall that comprises only half the global average, the country suffers from high evaporation rates (a result of its abundant sunshine). On average, less than 9% of precipitation that falls on South African soil eventually reaches the country’s river systems. Rain is also unevenly spread across the country, with 60% of the total annual runoff arising in only 20% of the surface area (mostly the eastern part).

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