Despite recent rainfall and increasing dam levels the Department of Water and Sanitation has called on Gauteng residents to watch their water consumption as winter approaches.

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) edged up to higher levels last week showing an increase by 4.1% from 83.5% to 87.6%. Similarly the Vaal, Grootdraai, Bloemhof, Katse and Sterkfontein Dams all showed an increase in levels as a result of the significant improvement in rainfall recently.

With winter approaching rainfall is expected to decline and in order to prevent the possibility of water shortages in Gauteng during this time, the Department has called for current restrictions, which are still in place in some areas of the province, including Johannesburg and Tshwane, to be strictly adhered to.

“Both the public and business are urged to take specific measures to observe their water demand management as put by their local municipalities,” the department said.

“Taking cognisance of the water crises which has put a strain on water supply in other provinces, the Department urges water users to keep in check their use of this depleting resource,” it concluded.