Understanding Hydrological Processes at Ungauged Points in the Incomati Basin (Siderius et al. 2015)

Application of the IHA methodology to 33 gauging stations across the Incomati (Inkomati) River Basin in South Africa. Analyses streamflow variability and identifies anthropogenic drivers of hydrological alteration including dam construction (Maguga, Driekoppies, Kwena), irrigation abstractions, and commercial forestry. Characterises flow regime change across the three major sub-catchments: Komati (heavily impounded, altered seasonality), Crocodile (irrigation-dominated modification), and Sabie (least modified, dolomitic baseflow). Identifies key IHA parameters showing significant alteration including monthly flow magnitudes (Group 1), annual extremes (Group 2), and pulse characteristics (Group 4). Provides essential baseline data for environmental flow assessment and ecological Reserve compliance in the Incomati system. Published in IAHS Proceedings.