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Despite being at satisfactory levels, Gauteng provincial dams have dropped from last week’s 96.5% to 95.6% this week. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) continues with its call to urge water users in Gauteng to be cautious with their water usage and adhere to municipal water restrictions, particularly during these hot weather conditions where water is in high demand. 

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which supplies water to the province and various industries is currently sitting at 89.8%, a drop from last week’s 90.7%.  

Vaal Dam, one of the critical components of the Integrated Vaal River System, has dropped by 1.6%, dropping from 79.9% last week to 78.0% this week. In comparison, the dam stood at a significantly higher 92.7% during the same period last year. 

Grootdraai Dam has also experienced a decrease in its water levels, declining from 84.6% to 83.4% this week. Last year, it was recorded at 90.1%.

Sterkfontein Dam in the Free State has been the only dam that saw an increase from last week's measurement of 99.6%, now standing at an impressive 99.8%. This marks a marginal rise of 0.2%. The dam's level was slightly lower last year at 99.3%.

Bloemhof Dam remains in good condition despite a slight drop this week of 2.7%, going from 96.9% to 94.2%. In comparison, during the same period last year, it registered a lower 92.0%.

Both Mohale and Katse dams in Lesotho have maintained their stable levels this week despite minor declines compared to last week. 

Katse Dam marginally decreased by 0.8%, dropping from 94.1% to 93.3% this week. During the corresponding week last year, it was at 85.7%

Mohale Dam followed suit with a slight decrease of 0.2%, lowering to 79.4% from last week’s level of 79.2%. In the same period last year, it recorded a higher 88.9%.

Monitoring of water levels in the dams is crucial as it informs our water management decisions to ensure a sustainable supply of water to all the residents. It is essential therefore that the residents should play their part by reducing their water usage to ensure a sustainable future.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation