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Despite the recent downpours in some parts of Gauteng and the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) sitting well above the neutral 50% mark, the IVRS continues to shrink to lower levels week-on-week.

Hovering at 74.0% this week, the system has recorded a drop of 0.6% from last week’s 74.6%. In the wake of the calamitious drought last year, the system was sitting at 49.5% at exactly the same time in the preceding year.

The IVRS consists of 14 dams that serve Gauteng as well the economically important Sasol and Eskom. The system remains vital for and contributes to the economic success of the province.

Recording a decline this week, the Vaal Dam is currently at 82.7%, down by 0.8% from last week’s 83.5%. During the same period last year the dam was a desperate sight at a bleak 27.4%, putting Gauteng into a near crisis situation.

The Katse Dam has seen an increase this week, albeit slightly. Last week the dam was at a lowly 29.9%. It has recorded an increase by 0.7% this week to 30.6%. Compared to last year at the same time, the dam has not seen an improvement as it is now still below 50% at 39.5%.

Slightly on the rise this week, the Sterkfontein Dam is at a satisfactory 93.9%. The dam has seen an upsurge by 0.2% from 93.7% a week ago. There is not much difference compared to last year at the same time when it was 90.9% full.

Also dipping to lower levels this week is the Groodraai Dam which has recorded a decline by 0.4%. Last week the dam was at 75.2% and this week it stands at 74.8%. Compared to the same period last year, the dam was at 67.0%.

The Bloemhof Dam’s last year at 14.2% was a far cry from this week’s levels. With a significant improvement from last year at the same time, the dam is currently sitting at 87.9%. However, this week’s levels are lower than last week’s 89.9%.

As the temperatures are continuously rising and there is no rains forecast, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is urging consumers to scale down on their demand. Consumers are called upon to work with their local communities to adhere to water demand management initiatives to ensure continued supply to all.

Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation