He says that the level of the Vaal Dam has slightly improved this week, placing it at 78.8%. This improvement is expected as it is a rainy season for the inland provinces of the country. Last week the dam stood at 78.5%, while last year at the same time it was at 35.9%, a sign that the dam was struggling last year, adds Ratau.

Ratau mentions that the Sterkfontein Dam is hovering above the 100% mark for the second consecutive week. This week it is recorded at 100.5%, while last year at the same time it stood equally stronger but lower at 94.8%. He says the Sterkfontein Dam is one of the 14 dams in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) and is used to replenish the system in times of need.

Notably, the Integrated Vaal River System itself has seen an increase this week, rising from 80,6% last week to 81,5% this week, adds Ratau. Moreover, the present levels of the system are higher compared to the previous year at the same time when it was at 57,3%, he adds.

Noting that the level of the Integrated Vaal River System continues to rise, the Department of Water and Sanitation continues to call on water users to manage water demand, adds Ratau. He says that water demand management is even more crucial as the temperatures continue rising, and the need to also continue responding to the effects of Covid-19 by ensuring regular washing of hands with soap and water.

OFM News/Lee Simmons