Integrated Vaal River System remains strong

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) remains in a strong position this week, as some of the critical dams within it remain at firm levels.

Compared to last year at the same time when the system (IVRS) hovered at 90.9%, its present levels are higher at 102.4%. The present levels of the system remain the same when compared against the 102.4% at which it stood last week.

Recording a slight decline, the Vaal Dam moved from 106.6% last week to 106.5% this week. During the comparative period last year, it stood at 101.0%.

The Grootdraai Dam, which has been on the increase week-on-week, has seen a 0.5% drop this week. However, it remains at impressive levels, though it fell from last week’s 102.1% to 101.6% this week. Last year’s levels of 94.1% indicate that the dam was lower compared to the current levels.

For the second successive week, the Sterkfontein Dam, which is a reserve dam for the IVRS, is above the 100% mark, presently standing at 102.4% while last year in the same week it was higher at 102.6%. The Sterkfontein Dam is one of the critical dams in the system that have held firm over the months.

This week, the Bloemhof Dam records a slight increase from 103.7% to 104.8% this week. This is lower compared to the levels of 108.0% during the same week last year.

The levels of the Mohale Dam saw a slight improvement from 96.5% last week to 96.7% this week. During the same time last year, the dam stood at 38.2%, which shows that the dam has been on a consistent upward trend this past season.

The Katse Dam remains on an impressive state. However, this week it declined from 99.8% last week to 99.5%. This is higher compared to the 76.5% it recorded at the same time last year.

The Department of Water and Sanitation is satisfied that the system has been able to remain in a strong position. However, the Department warns water users in Gauteng that the stability of the system would be in jeopardy if both businesses and the public do not take responsibility to use water with the utmost responsibility and caution.

Source: Government of South Africa