Dam levels in Gauteng hold firm despite decrease
The Gauteng dam levels have shown resilience this week despite a minor drop from the previous week while the Department of Water and Sanitation urges water consumers to exercise caution on their water use.
Last week, the province’s overall level, which hovered at 100.2%, has declined to 100.0% this week. Both last week’s and this week’s levels are lower compared with the level of 100.8% the dams recorded at the same time last year.
The Bon Accord Dam remains unchanged from last week’s level of 104.8%. During the same week last year, the dam stood at an impressive 109.2%. The fact that it flows above the 100% mark shows that the dam has been resilient.
In contrast, the Roodeplaat Dam has edged up this week. It soared marginally from last week’s 100.2% to 100.4% this week. The present level of the dam is just a few notches lower compared to the level of 100.3% it was during the same period last year.
The Bronkhorstspruit Dam has also seen a slight decrease this week as it dropped from the level of 99.5% it was last week to 99.1% this week. In the preceding year during the same week, the dam had punched above the 100% mark to climb to 100.5%.
This week, the Klipdrift remains confined at 101.4% for the third subsequent week. Last year at the same time, it stood firmer at 101.8 %.
According to the Department’s reservoirs weekly report, the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) from which Rand Water, the water management entity abstracts water, currently hovers at 92.0%. This is a drop from last week’s 92.4%. However, the present level of the system is substantially higher compared with the level of 66.9% during the same period last year.
To encourage saving water, the Department calls on the public in Gauteng to use water from baths, washing machines and other safe sources to flush toilets and to clean such things as paving using grey water. In this regard, the Department further pleads with individuals in communities to encourage their friends and family to play a part in saving water in every small way they can.
For more information, contact:
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
Hosia Sithole
Cell: 082 723 2442.
