Levels in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) are continuing to decline having shrunk from 77.1% to 76.4% in the space of week.

According to the Department of Water and Sanitation this is concerning because the IVRS is the backbone of Gauteng. It consists of 14 dams that serve the province and major industries including Sasol and Eskom.

The department says the Vaal Dam decreased by 1.3% to 86.5 % this week from 87.8.9% last week. Compared to last year during the same period, the dam floated at a miserable 31.2%, placing the province in one of the riskiest situations in years.

“As there is no rain in sight forecast for the coming days, the Department of Water and Sanitation is resolute on making sure that last years’ experience of water shortage is avoided at all costs,” the department said.

It added that in this regard, it is calling on both the public and industry to use water with great care in order to preserve the resource and to ensure uninterrupted supply.

It’s not all bad

The Katse Dam surged up to 26.5% this week%. The dam recorded an increase of 0.5% from last week’s 26.0%. At the corresponding period last week the dam was below the 50% mark at an insignificant 26.0%. During the same period last year the dam was sitting at 43.8%.

Also recording an increase, the Sterkfontein Dam slightly went up from 92.6% last week to 92.7% this week. This accounts for a growth of 0.1%. Compared with the previous year at the same time, the dam was at a decent 90.1%.

Furthermore, the Grootdam recorded an increase by 0.8% to 78.9% this week. Last week the the dam hovered at 79.7%. Compared to the same period last year the the dam was siiting at 71.9%.

On the up this week, the Bloemhof has marginally decreased by 1.1% to 94.5%. Last week the Bloemhof was 95.6%. Last year during the same time this dam was a far cry to this week’s at a depressing 21.6%.