IVRS dams show a diverse picture as they drop while others are unchanged this week
Several dams within the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) have this week seen a decrease in levels while others have remained unchanged from the previous week.
Thus, the mixed picture in the different dam levels within the system spilt over to the overall level of the system as shown in its decline this week. Last week, the system, which is still in a top-notch position, was at 95.2%. This week the system is at 94.5%. The level of the system this week represents a substantial improvement from the 81.8% at the same week in the preceding year.
The system is the backbone of the economy of Gauteng as the economic hub of South African. Leading industries that breathe life to the country’s economy such as Sasol and Eskom are supplied with water from the system.
A significant dam within the system, the Vaal Dam has declined this week. It declined from 96.2% last week to still above the 90% mark at 95.2% this week. During the same time last year, the dam recorded 83.8%.
Another dam that is at a lesser level this week is the Grootdraai Dam. It fell from last week’s 94.3% to 93.3% presently. The dam stood at 75.2% at this time last year.
The Katse Dam in Lesotho has recorded a slight improvement this week, while Mohale Dam, also in Lesotho, has recorded a decline this week.
The Katse Dam has seen an increase to 87.2% from 86.8% last week. The dam improved from a comfortable state of 63.1%, which it recorded twelve months ago during the same week.
In addition, the Mohale Dam continues to remain in a impressive level this week. However, this week it slightly declined from 91.9% to 89.5% week on week.
The Bloemhof Dam has also declined this week. It went down from 96.9% last week to 95.8% this week but is still at an impressive level. During the preceding year at the same time, the dam was at a remarkably strong position having recorded 102.3%.
The Sterkfontein Dam remains just below 100% at 99.3% this week. In the previous year during the same week, the dam was higher at a level of 100.5%.
The Department continues to plead with both businesses and households to use water with care. In this regard, it appeals that toilets should not be flushed unless it is absolutely necessary to do so. This could assist to save many litres of water, as toilets do not require flushing after every use of the facility.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
