The Department of Water and Sanitation reports that the latest weekly assessment of dam levels within the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) reflects overall stability, with most major dams maintaining strong storage levels.
- Vaal Dam showed a marginal increase, rising from 100.9% to 101.0%.
- Sterkfontein Dam remained unchanged at 100.1%.
- Bloemhof Dam recorded a slight decline from 96.7% to 96.1%.
- Grootdraai Dam improved modestly, increasing from 101.9% to 102.1%.
Storage facilities linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) also reflect encouraging performance:
- Katse Dam declined slightly from 97.9% to 97.4%.
- Mohale Dam remained stable at 101.8%.
Overall, the IVRS, which supplies water to Gauteng and surrounding economic hubs stands at 99.6%, underscoring stable system performance despite minor variations at individual dams. This demonstrates the resilience of the system in meeting ongoing water supply requirements.
The Department emphasises that water security within the IVRS should not be assessed solely on the status of the Vaal Dam. The system operates as an integrated network of reservoirs and inter-basin transfer schemes, including the LHWP, which collectively ensure reliability and sustainability.
Dam levels across the system remain strong, with several dams operating at or above full capacity. The Department continues to monitor storage trends and system performance closely to safeguard water security and strengthen planning, particularly in the context of drought preparedness and climate variability.
South Africa remains a water-scarce country. The Department of Water and Sanitation therefore calls on all citizens, industries, and institutions to continue practicing water conservation and efficient use to secure sustainable water supplies for present and future generations.
Enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail:mavasaw@dws.gov.za
Maria Lebese
Cell:082 611 9264
E-mail:lebesem@dws.gov.za
#GovZAUpdates
