The lower-than-normal rainfall caused by El Niño since last year continues to impact negatively on dam levels across South Africa. The South African Weather Bureau predicts that the situation is most likely to persist with little rain expected for the next seven days as the frontal systems will slip by the country.
According to the latest dam levels assessments of 18 April 2016, the combined average dam levels are at 54.8%. This is a sharp decrease as the dam levels were at 79%.8 at the same time last year.
The information below provides an overview of dam levels of water systems at provinces. The Voelvlei Dam in the Western Cape is at 19.0% compared with 19.4% last week a decrease of 0.4%. This is the lowest record in many years.
In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) the Hazelmere Dam is steady at 42.7%, Nagel Dam 83.9% compared to 86.5% last week, a decrease of 2.4% week on week. There is no change on water restrictions at this stage.
There is a slight but not significant improvement on the Orange River System as the Gariep Dam is at 55.3% an increase of 0.2%. The Van Der Kloof Dam is at 59.9% an increase of 1.2% week on week. A positive outcome is that Eskom have started generating power from the Gariep Dam again.
In the Vaal River System, Katse Dam is currently at 65.2% a decrease of 0.3% from the previous week. Vaal Dam is at 45.0% a 0.8% decrease week on week. The Sterkfontein Dam is stable at 88.5%. The Grootdraai Dam is at 89.8% an increase of 0.1%. Transfer from the Upper Tugela must take place before end of May. The Vaal system has dropped to near 60% and this is close to the break point where restrictions may have to be considered.
The department will continue to monitor dam levels and wishes to reassure all water users that it is working closely with provinces, municipalities and other specialists to ensure sustainable water security across the country.
Enquiries:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
