Welcome rainfall was experienced across large parts of Gauteng last weekend, resulting in a positive effect on the dam levels.
According to the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, the weekend’s rainfall saw a spike in the Vaal Dam’s level, which rose from 44,4 per cent on Friday, 6 January to 49,56 per cent on Monday, 9 January.
“We are hoping that with more rain we will be able to maintain that level or even better,” Ratau said.
But, this does not mean the drought is over. Johannesburg Water reminds residents that Level 2 restrictions are still in place and residents should still keep a close eye on their water usage. Ratau echoed these sentiments by urging residents to continue to use water sparingly.
Ratau reminded residents that the rainfall over Pretoria and Johannesburg feeds the Hartbeespoort Dam through the Jukskei River and Crocodile River. For the Vaal Dam to really benefit, we need a lot more rainfall in the Free State and Mpumalanga.
Some of the other dams in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) have also shown slight level increases. As of 9 January, these levels were:
– Grootdraai Dam: 97,5 per cent
– Sterkfontein Dam: 86,6 per cent
– Bloemhof Dam: 24,2 per cent
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