Rainfall influence on water gain and loss from Middle Letaba Dam in Luvuvhu-Letaba Water Management Area, South Africa
Khathutshelo A. Tshikolomo, Sue Walker, Azwihangwisi E. Nesamvuni

Abstract
The objective of the study was to investigate the influence of rainfall received by the Middle Letaba Dam on its water gain and loss. Relevant data was obtained from Department of Water Affairs. Rainfall increase was followed by increases in: inflow from the source river (with lag of one month), potential evaporation, normal flow, and dam storage volume (with lag of two months). Abstractions from dam were not influenced by rainfall as these were controlled by dam operation rules. The lags for increases of inflow and storage volume possibly resulted from spatial variation of rainfall and occurrence of small dams in the catchment upstream of the dam. The analysis reveals that the dam cannot be maintained at full storage volume from only rainfall, but will need transfers from other catchments.

Full Text: PDF