Dam levels across the country remain on a steady decline despite the recent heavy downpours in some parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng in the past two weeks.

A weekly dam levels report issued by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) depicts a bleak reality that water levels are declining consistently week on week.

The national water storage declined from 59.6% to 58.7%. This is a far cry to 69.4% that was recorded during the same period last year.

The heavy rainfall in Kwa-Zulu Natal has contributed only 1% increase in dam levels. The provincial water storage increased from 52,3% to 53.0% this week.

Meanwhile, Limpopo residents are urged to intensify water saving measures as dams are emptying at an average of 48.2%.  The dams are further down compared to 62% during the same period last year.

Dams supplying water to Moutse have dried up.

As a result, a meeting was convened on Sunday by officials from the Department in Limpopo, the National Rapid Response Task Team (NRRTT), officials from the technical department in Sekhukhune District Municipality and senior officials from the municipality including the Executive Mayor to intervene.

Recommendations that were made included equitable water tankering across Moutse urgently. To this end, a total of 10 000 litres water tanks will be supplied as a short term measure. In addition, a steering committee will be formed, and is set to comprise of the NRRTT, DWS in Limpopo, provincial COGTA, Sekhukhune District Municipality and Elias Motsoaledi Municipality to drive the immediate interventions that will help alleviate water scarcity in Moutse. 

Similarly, the drought-stricken Eastern Cape Province continues to bear the brunt of drought.

This is amid official announcements by the Provincial Government declaring the situation in the province a disaster. The average dam levels have remained at 48,8% compared to 62.1% during the same period last year.

On Tuesday, the Joe Gqabi District Municipality issued an update on critical water supply measures put in place.

The Municipality reported that five boreholes are being drilled in the Burgersdorp areas to ensure water supply. In addition, strict water restrictions are put in place in Mount Fletcher.

In Gauteng, due to the average rainfalls, dam levels have improved almost drastically from 85,3% to 90,6% this week. At the same time last year, the provincial dam levels were at 96,4%.

However, this week the Vaal Dam has seen a significant decline from 46.2% last week to 42.6% this week.

Provinces also experiencing a decline in water levels include the Free State at 68,0% from last week’s 70,0%. Mpumalanga water storage capacity have decreased from last week’s 56,3% to 55,9% this week. While the Northern Cape sees a drop of 1% at 71,5% from 72,1%.

Western Cape declined slightly from 66.5% last week to 66.3% this week. North West is at 51,6% from 50,4% last week.

Above-average rainfall is predicted by Departmental scientists and South African Weather Service between December and February 2020 across the country.

The Department encourages residents to harvest rain for re-use purposes.