The Department of Water and Sanitation says it is keeping a close eye on the Vaal Dam, after increased levels to 50.53% following the recent heavy rains.
In the past months, the dam levels were on a rapid decline due to high temperatures but according to the Department spokesperson, Wisani Mavasa, the risk of reaching the minimum operating level of 18% has been averted.
“The current dam level is now plotting above 50% and there is a good inflow because of recent rainfall in the catchment.
There is therefore no more need for water release from Sterkfontein Dam to support Vaal Dam,” Mavasa highlighted.
Moreover, Mavasa revealed that the Water Supply Systems at provinces that are supplied by the dam recorded significant increases.
“The rising dam levels has also boosted the Integrated Vaal River System that provides water to Gauteng and key industries within the province that has shot up from 71.4% to 79.4% this week.
Limpopo has also increased from 73.2% to 82.6% while North West rose from 64.7% to 72.5%,” said the spokesperson.
Despite the improvements, the department has urged residents to use water sparingly and remain vigilant during heavy rains that may cause flooding.
Mavasa added that people residing at low-lying areas must avoid lakes, dams and rivers as the rainy weather is expected to continue across the country.
