The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) reports that the Vaal Dam continues to maintain healthy water storage levels, currently standing at 106.1% of full supply capacity, compared to 107.3% recorded during the previous week. As one of the country's most strategic water resources, the Vaal Dam plays a critical role in supplying water to Gauteng, the Free State, and other parts of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).
The latest reservoir data indicates that water storage levels across the IVRS remain strong and stable, demonstrating the continued resilience of the system despite minor fluctuations recorded over the reporting period.
Several key dams within the system continue to reflect excellent storage levels:
- Bloemhof Dam increased slightly from 104.1% to 104.6%.
- Sterkfontein Dam remains stable at 99.4% full capacity.
- Grootdraai Dam recorded a marginal decline from 100.0% to 99.9%.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) continues to make a significant contribution towards sustaining water security within the IVRS. Current storage levels indicate that:
- Mohale Dam stands at 101.9%, a slight decrease from 102.1% recorded last week.
- Katse Dam decreased from 94.7% to 93.9%.
Overall, the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) remains in a healthy state, recording 100.8% this week compared to 101.3% during the previous reporting period. Although the system experienced a slight decrease, storage levels remain exceptionally strong and continue to provide assurance of water availability across the region.
The sustained performance of the IVRS is largely supported by inter-basin transfers from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project through Katse and Mohale Dams, which continue to augment water supplies into the Vaal River System via the Liebenbergsvlei and Wilge River transfer schemes. These strategic transfers play a vital role in ensuring long-term water security for South Africa's economic heartland.
While current dam levels remain favourable, the Department continues to encourage all water users to exercise responsible water use practices. The prudent and efficient use of water remains essential in safeguarding future water security, particularly in the face of increasing urban demand, population growth, infrastructure pressures, and the impacts of climate variability and climate change.
The Department further reminds residents, municipalities, businesses and other water users supplied through the Rand Water system that the planned maintenance programme that commenced on 29 May 2026 is scheduled to conclude on 02 June 2026.
Although maintenance activities are nearing completion, consumers are advised that the restoration of water supply and the replenishment of municipal reservoirs will not be immediate. The recovery process may take several hours, and in some areas, up to a few days, depending on reservoir levels, network configurations, elevation, and local demand patterns.
Communities are therefore urged to remain patient and continue using available water sparingly while supply systems gradually return to normal operating levels. Residents should also remain alert to possible low water pressure or intermittent supply during the recovery period and are encouraged to follow updates issued by their respective municipalities and Rand Water.
The Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary.
Enquiries:
Wisane Mavasa
Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation
Cell: 060 561 8935
E-mail: mavasaw@dws.gov.za
Maria Lebese
Gauteng DWS: Communication
Cell: 082 611 9264
E-mail: lebesem@dws.gov.za
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