| Popis: |
Lack of water allocation plans in semi-arid river basins increases the risks of hydrological droughts. The Mukurumudzi River Basin was experiencing extremely low flows which led to a water allocation assessment to quantify the available resource amidst competing demands from domestic, commercial, and environmental needs. An abstraction survey was conducted along the entire length of the river followed by a low flow study and water balance modelling using rainfall-runoff model. Observed flows at source and mouth were 0.028 m3/sand 0.043 m3/s, respectively. Simulated flows estimated an environmental flow (Q95) deficit of0.023 m3/s and 0.010 m3/s in July and August, respectively. Normal flow (Q80) of 0.190 m3/s and flood flow (Q50) of 0.520 m3/s were estimated. Compensating the environmental flow deficit in July and August was recommended. A more detailed hydrogeological study should be conducted to elucidate the potential of the groundwater resource in meeting current demands. |
