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The Vaal Dam, which is one the critical dams that form part of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), remains stable this week despite a continued decline week-on-week. Currently, the dam is standing at 82.5%, having moved down from 83.8% last week. Both last week’s and this week’s levels of the dam are higher compared to the same period last year when it stood at 80.7%.

The effect of the decline of the Vaal Dam, along with other dams in the IVRS, has seen a decline in the overall level of the IVRS. Going down from 76.2% last week to this week’s 75.4%, the system has been on the decline for several weeks. During the same period last year, the system was hovering at 72.0%.

The IVRS consists of 14 dams and is a major source of water supply to both industries and households in Gauteng. Eskom and Sasol are two of the economic powerhouses in Gauteng that are supplied with water by the IVRS.

Remaining unchanged for the last two weeks, the Grootdraai Dam, is still hovering at 79.9% this week, entering a third week without any movement in its level. Judged against last year’s level at the same time when the dam floated at 73.7%, this week‘s level shows an improvement.

Similarly remaining unchanged from last week’s level, the Sterkfontein Dam is currently floating at 94.5% this week. At the same time last year, the dam stood at 94.1%, indicating that this week’s level is higher compared to that time.

Inching down to a lower level this week, the Katse Dam is standing at 47.7%, recording a decline from last week’s 48.4%. The dam has continued to show a strain over the past few months as it was at a trivial 31.1% last year at the same period.

Equally declining this week, the Bloemhof Dam has recorded a decline, moving from 84.8% last week to 82.2% this week. At the same period last year the dam was at 85.5%, a level marginally higher compared to what is presently experienced.  t

Moving deeper into a concerning state, the Mohale Dam has continued to dip into new lows this week. The dam is currently at 17.9%, down from 18.3% last week. At 38.7% last year at the same time, this dam has not been in a healthy state for some time and remains a concern as it looks set to decline to a shrivelling level.

Given the decline in the level of the overall IVRS coupled with an increase in water demand in some parts of Gauteng, the Department of Water and Sanitation is calling on communities and businesses to use water sparingly. The Department reiterates that it is through effective water saving efforts that there would be uninterrupted supply of water. Adherence to water saving tips remains important and communities are urged to use grey water for watering gardens and flushing toilets. In addition, report water leaks, pipe bursts and install water-saving devices and low-flow showerheads.

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation