“SA water levels improved markedly this year”- DWS
“SA water levels improved markedly this year”- DWS
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/116/2021/05/IMG_3460-vaaldam-780x470.jpg)
Although the country’s dam levels have begun dropping slightly as we approach a dry winter season for the inland provinces, they are comparatively 15% higher than in the same period last year.
Figures contained in a weekly report by the Department of Water and Sanitation suggest that the dam levels have gone up from 69,1% to 85% this week.
However, the department has cautioned against the rampant use of water as the country is not out of the woods yet from the previous drought. Because of a regional low rainfall pattern, South Africa remained a water-scarce country and water must be treated as a scarce resource. According to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s Sputnik Ratau Free State continues to boast the highest dam levels in the country at 98,6%, followed by Gauteng at 100%.
“The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) consisting 14 dams in different provinces as well as inflows from Lesotho has benefitted immensely from the recently past heavy rains. An example of this benefit is seen at the Vaal Dam whose latest reading stands at 103% this week. However, it must be borne in mind that Gauteng and Northern Cape have the smaller and fewer dams compared to the Free State which has three biggest dams in the country. Northern Cape dam levels were recorded at 90,9%, making it the third highest reading after Free State and Gauteng.” “At 87,1% Limpopo’s dam levels have increased by 17% from 70% in the corresponding period last year. The Olifants Integrated River System has played a major role in increasing the province’s water levels. The system’s latest figures show that it has improved its water reservoir by 11% from 69,8% to 79,8% this year.”
https://vaalweekblad.com/93201/sa-water-levels-improved-markedly-this-year-dws/