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As the all dams across the country are plunging to lower levels, the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) has also been decreasing week on week as chances of winter rainfalls are expected to be below average.

The IVRS consists of 14 dams and serving mainly Gauteng, Sasol and Eskom is down 0.5% to 84.1%.

The Vaal Dam is down by 1.0% to 98.9% this week having been at 99.9% last week. During the same period last year the dam hovered below 50% at 40.4%.

Also taking a knock down this week by 1.2% is the Katse Dam to 43.2% from a 44.4% last week. Last year at the same time this dam was sitting at 60.6%.

The Sterkfontein Dam has this week decreased by 0.1% and is currently sitting at 90.4%.  The Sterkfontein is used a storage that helps to replenish the Vaal Dam in times of distress. Last week this dam was at 91.4%. This is down compared to a 99.9% it recorded last year during the same time.

Down by 0.5% to 89.8% this week is the Grootdraai Dam. Last week this dam was at 90.3% and at 84.9% last year at the same time.

Not an exception to the other dams in the IVRS, the Bloemhof Dam has this week decreased by 0.4% to 101.6% from 102% last week. However, this decrease is higher than the 22.5% last year.

As the System Operating Forum plan to meet this month to consider the operating rule for the 2017/18 hydrological year, both the public and industry are encouraged to adhere to their municipality’s advices on conserving water.

Facing the prospect of continued dwindling dams week on week, the Department of Water and Sanitation appeals to all concerned to relieve pressure on the water resources by using it only for their essential needs.

Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation