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The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) is continuing to decline having slightly shrunk down by 0.7% this week to 76.4% compared to 77.1% to last week.

The IVRS is the backbone of Gauteng as it consists of 14 dams that  serve the province and major industries including Sasol and Eskom.

The Vaal Dam decreased by 1.3% to 86.5 % this week from 87.8.9% last week. Compared to last year during the same period, the dam floated at a miserable 31.2%, placing province in a risky situation in years.

The Katse Dam surged up to 26.5% this week%.  The dam recorded an increase of 0.5% from last week’s 26.0%.  At the corresponding period last week the dam  was below the 50% mark at an insignificant 26.0%. During the same period last year the dam was sitting at 43.8%.

Also recording an increase, the Sterkfontein Dam slightly went up from 92.6% last week to 92.7% this week. This accounts for a growth of 0.1%. Compared with the previous year at the same time, the dam was at a decent 90.1%.

Furthermore, the Grootdam recorded an increase by 0.8% to 78.9% this week. Last week the dam hovered at 79.7%.  Compared to the same period last year  the dam was sitting at 71.9%.

On the up this week, the Bloemhof has marginally decreased by 1.1% to 94.5%. Last week the Bloemhof was 95.6%. Last year during the same time this dam was a far cry to this week’s at a depressing 21.6%.

As there is no rain in sight forecast for the coming days, the Department of Water and Sanitation is resolute on making sure that last years’ experience of water shortage is avoided at all costs. In this regard, the Department is calling on both the public and industry to use water with great care in order to preserve the resource and to ensure uninterrupted supply.

Issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation