Dam levels across the country remain on a steady decline despite the recent heavy downpours in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Gauteng in the previous 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 last week’s 59.6 per centto 58.7 per cent this week. This is a far cry to 69.4 per cent that was recorded during the same period last year.
In Gauteng, due to the average rainfalls, dam levels have improved almost drastically from 85.3 per cent to 90.6 per cent this week. At the same time last year, the provincial dam levels were at 96.4 per cent. However, this week the Vaal Dam has seen a significant decline from 46.2 per cent last week to 42.6 per cent this week.
Above-average rainfall is predicted by departmental scientists and South African Weather Service between December thus year and February next year across the country. The department encourages residents to harvest rain for re-use purposes.
Here are a few basic pointers to reduce water use:
- Make sure your plumbing works properly and placing a brick in your toilet bowl to reduce water use.
- Take short showers and speed up your tooth brushing routine.
- Fix all leaking taps
- Cover your pool to avoid evaporation.
- Only water your garden after 6pm and only when necessary.
- Avoid pre-wash cycles when using your washing machine and use water-efficient cycles.
- Consider dual-flush toilet mechanisms and low-flow showerheads.
- Collect rainwater in water storage tanks for cleaning your vehicle
- Use greywater for your garden.
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