The Free State Department of Water and Sanitation has expressed its concern over decreasing water levels in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which is made up of a number of dams including the Vaal, Sterkfontein, Bloemhof, Mohale and Katse Dam. 

Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, says the system itself fell by 0,4% over the course of a week, and, when compared to last year’s water level at this time, the decrease becomes more alarming. Ratau cautions that while the Sterkfontein, Bloemhof and Mohale dams’ levels remain unchanged from the previous week, this is not necessarily good news, considering the latter dam – located in Lesotho – is the worst affected at a critical 18,1% full. 

The Katse Dam is also at a concerning level of 38,8% full, this week down one percent. The Department urges all South African,s including businesses, to be conscious of their water consumption and continue to use water sparingly.  

OFM News