Arandis and Swakopmund residents have been urged to preserve water as supply levels have dropped sharply.

NamWater noted a significant reduction in water from the Orano Desalination Plant due to an increase in sulphur in the ocean. 

The Orano Desalination Plant, situated some 50 kilometres north of Swakopmund, draws water from the nearby Atlantic Ocean for desalination purposes. However, the unusually high levels of sulphur detected last week have disrupted the plant's operations.

Reservoir levels have now fallen to below 50% in Swakopmund and below 30% in Arandis.

NamWater says the situation may continue for at least five days or longer.

To manage the situation, water rationing has been ongoing in Arandis since Monday this week and will remain in place until Friday.

Taps close between 10 PM and 4 AM.

Residents are urged to use water sparingly and report any urgent concerns to the Arandis Town Council or NamWater.

Orano has confirmed that its desalination plant north of Swakopmund began producing water at near-normal levels as of Wednesday, signalling a return to regular operations soon.