Sulphur upwelling prompts water rationing in Swakopmund and Arandis
Niél Terblanché
A sudden sulphur upwelling in the Atlantic Ocean has disrupted operations at the Orano Desalination Plant, leading to a reduced supply of potable water at Arandis.
The spokesperson of the Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), Lot Ndamanomhata, reported that the phenomenon, which began on Tuesday, 8 April 2025, has caused water reservoir levels to fall below 50% in Swakopmund and under 30% in Arandis.
“In response, NamWater has advised the Arandis Town Council to implement water rationing measures from 14 to 18 April,” he said.
According to Ndamanomhata, residents will experience nightly water supply interruptions between 22:00 and 04:00.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your cooperation in using water sparingly during this period,” he said.
This incident adds to a series of water challenges faced by Namibia’s coastal regions.
In recent weeks, the Erongo Regional Council announced water rationing in the settlements of Uis and Otjimbingwe due to decreased borehole yields caused by ongoing drought conditions, while Walvis Bay residents are still dealing with rationing measures for the past week already due to electricity supply issues to boreholes in the Kuiseb River Delta.
Ndamanomhata urged residents to conserve water and use it sparingly during this challenging period.
He stressed the importance of community cooperation in managing scarce water resources to ensure equitable distribution and sustainability.
He added that updates regarding the supply of water will be provided as efforts continue to restore the normal water supply.
He urged residents to contact the Arandis Town Council or NamWater with additional enquiries.
