Stream flows

The flow regime of the river can be affected intwo ways : the average quantity of the flow or the Mean Annual Runoff (MAR) can be changed through water abstractions and changes in land-cover and abstractions, impoundments and land- cover changes can affect the timing or the seasonality of the flow regime such as the onset, peak, volume and duration of the dry season or flood events.

The estimated impacts of changes in the flow regime need to be adequately considered in basin-planning and decision-making on development options for the basin. In order to enable decision-makers to make informed decisions that optimise the sustainable use of the river’s water resources and adequately balance developmental needs with flow regime considerations.