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Water levels are continuing to drop gradually despite recent good rains that have been experienced in some parts of the country.

According to the recent report of 211 dams, released by Department of Water and Sanitation, it shows that the national water storage has decreased by 0, 2% from 72, 9% last week to 72, 7% this week. However, the national water storage has improved compared to 54% last year. 

The Department of Water and Sanitation, would like to appeal to all water users to be head the call of using water sparingly particularly now that winter season is upon us. Water users are also urged to adhere to water restriction measures imposed by their respective municipalities.

The following are the provincial water storages:

• Eastern Cape 62%
• Free State 84, 7%
• Gauteng 92, 1%
• KwaZulu-Natal 57, 6%
• Limpopo 78, 4%
• Mpumalanga 79, 5%
• Northern Cape 91, 5%
• North West 89, 9%
• Western Cape 19, 3% 

Western Cape province is becoming a serious concern as dam levels are decreasing week on week. Today, the Department of Water and Western Cape Provincial Government held a Water Indaba with various stakeholders to come up with ways to avert the situation.

The Cape Town Dams System with 6 dams serving mainly City of Cape Town (CoC) decreased by 0, 9% to 20, 8% from 21, 7%. The system was at 30, 8% at the same time last year.

The Algoa System with 5 dams serving Nelson Mandela Bay decreased to 39, 6% from 40, 3% last week. Last year at the same time was at 78, 2%. This system will require special focus as it is significantly lower than last year and has not benefitted from the recent rains.

Amathole System with 6 dams serving Buffalo City decreased by 0.1% to 70, 5% from 70, 6% last week. The system was at 88, 5% during the same time last year.

The Bloemfontein System with 4 dams serving mainly Mangaung rose by 0.5% to 51, 5% compared with 33, 8% the same time last year.
 
 
The Crocodile West System with 6 dams serving mainly Tshwane, Madibeng and Rustenburg decreased slightly by 0, 1% to 99, 3% from 99, 4%. The system was recorded at 95, 1% during the same time last year the system was at 95.7%.
The Vaal River System with 14 dams serving mainly Gauteng Sasol and Eskom is the same as last week at 85, 3% compared with 58, 8% recorded during the same time last year.
The Umgeni Dam System with 5 dams serving mainly eThekwini and Msinduze decreased by a point from 62, 2% last week to 62,1%. System was at 54, 8% last year.

Water users are reminded once more that it is their responsibility as well to ensure that water resources are protected for future generations. It is important to note that South Africa is a water scarce country and the current water that we have should be used wisely.

Issued by Department of Water and Sanitation