The main purpose of dams in South Africa is to store water from rainfall during rainy periods so that it can be used during dry periods (droughts). Dams are important for people in South Africa as they provide water for human consumption (drinking water) as well as for animals (agriculture) and electricity generation. The primary function of damns is the prevention of drought.
As a nation, South Africa is in a very water-scarce position because it is considered one of the 30 driest countries in the world. The country has a low rainfall and surface water run-off. The country also has high evaporation rates because of its hot climate.
The purpose of dams in South Africa
In South Africa, dams are used to store rainfall so that it can be used in times of drought. Water is stored in the dam during rainy seasons and then released through a pipeline or canal system to where it’s needed most during dry seasons. This can help prevent droughts, but it also means that people don’t have access to water when they need it most.
Dams also provide drinking water for humans and animals. They also provide irrigation for crops like fruit trees and vegetables which are grown on large farms called plantations or estates. Dams can even generate electricity for homes!
In addition, dams are also used for other by the department and communities, including flood control, irrigation, recreation such as fishing and swimming, agriculture and tourism, providing habitats for wildlife and fish and creating new wetlands and extending existing wetlands along rivers.
