NamWater is set to discontinue releasing water for irrigation in the Hardap Irrigation Scheme if limited water inflow into the Hardap Dam persists.

In the wake of poor rainfall in its catchment area, the dam's water level stood at 12.8% on Tuesday.

Namwater's manager for the southern business unit, Franklin Kavita, gave assurance that water for human consumption will be given priority over other needs. 

He says calculations and provisions were made by NamWater to ensure that the dam will supply potable water to the irrigation scheme and town until December this year amid a lack of water inflow. 

"We are in ongoing discussion with the farmers, and the principle of domestic water supply protection still remains with regards to this, so once the situation becomes unattainable, there will be no option but to discontinue water supply for irrigation, and the farmers are in line with NamWater on that."

Kavita urges farmers using irrigation systems to consider and invest in water-saving methods.