natsilt@wrc.org.za

+27 12 761 9300

Relatively low and highly seasonal rainfall

To explore the options and identify solutions, the Department of Water
and Sanitation (DWS) appointed the Water Research Commission (WRC)
to implement the National Dam Siltation Management Programme,
known as the NatSilt Programme.

Water-scarce country

Relies on large dams to store water before it is distributed for domestic,
agricultural and industrial use. But the rivers feeding dams carry sediment,
which is eroded from watercourses and land surfaces through both
natural processes and human-induced impacts, such as construction,
deforestation, overgrazing and poor ploughing practices.

South Africa

Siltation of dams is a worldwide problem

Threat to water security

Is deposited along the rivers, but fine silt only settles out in large areas of
still water, like those found in dams. Over time, the build-up of silt on the
dam floor reduces the dam’s water storage capacity, which is a threat to
water security.

Coarser sediment

CONTINUE

Improved knowledge of siltation cause and effects

UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP PIONEERS SILTATION MANAGEMENT TRAINING

Jul 18, 2024

Siltation reduces dam storage – vital for water supply and the economy. Managing this is crucial. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) assigned the WaterResearch Commission (WRC) to develop a National Siltation Management Strategy (NatSilt). One of the key…

28 May 2024

Jul 14, 2024

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P9XnWNux0A

Siltation of SA dams – Working towards a sustainable solution

Jun 1, 2022

When we non-specialists think of silted-up dams (indeed, whenwe think of them at all) we picture in our mind’s eye greatexpanses of desiccated mud, cracked and fissured beneath abaking sun. But scratch the surface, or rather dig down a metre,and…