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The recent rainfalls that have drenched large parts of Gauteng have this week resulted in the Integrated Vaal River Systen (IVRS) increasing its levels after weeks of continuous decline.

The IVRS currently sits at 71.2%, up by 1.3% from 69.9% last week. Last year at the time the system was at 52.9%. This struck fear in the hearts of consumers as the IVRS levels kept on dwindling to lower levels.

The IVRS consists of 14 dams which are vital for Gauteng as well as Sasol and Eskom. The system is a catalyst towards the economy of Gauteng and the country.

The Vaal Dam has slightly gone up this week, recording an increase by 1.6% from 77.8% last week. This week the Vaal Dam is at 79.4%, a sharp contrast to last year’s levels when it was at a paltry 38.9%.

Although still hovering at a lowly 33.4% this week, the Katse Dam has also recorded an increase. The Katse Dam hovered at 32.4 last week while last year during the same time it was at 38.3%. The dam has seen an increase by 0.1% this week.

On the upsurge this week, the Bloemhof Dam is currently sitting at 81.5% having been at 79.6% last week. At the moment the dam has significantly improved from 19.4% it recorded last year at the same time.

The Grootdraai has similarly notched up to higher levels this week. The dam has made gains in its levels as it was sitting at 75.3% last week. This week the Groodraai Dam is at  81.7%. During the same period last year the dam was 83.1% full.

The Sterkfontein Dam remains unchanged from last week at 94.2%. During the preceding year at the same time, the dam was over the 50% neutral mark  and sitting at 86.4%.

Given the rise in the IVRS, the Department of Water and Sanitaion (DWS) is cautioning consumers to conserve water as the current drenches of rain may be construed by some that we are now water secured.

The DWS is calling upon water users to maintain the levels of water use to the barest minimum and only use it for necessities. Futhermore, as we enter the Festive Season, consumers are encouraged to be vigilant and to follow water saving tips provided by their local municipalities.

Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation