Central SA
Decline in Vaal Dam levels no cause for panic─── 10:10 Mon, 26 Oct 2020
The Department of Water and Sanitation says there is no need to panic over the decline in the levels of the Vaal Dam.
The department says the dam is at 29,2%, while the Integrated Vaal River System, is still at above 60% - which is an indication of a positive state for the system.
Spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says Gauteng residents shouldn't panic as the province is not facing an imminent water shortage.
"As the department, we are tasked with ensuring that there is water security. We do not have such a concept as ‘day zero’, but we are keen to ensure that the system does not fail.
“The fact that the Vaal Dam is presently hovering at less than 30% does not mean the province is facing impending severe water shortages that could cause alarm.”
Ratau says some of the dams within the integrated system are at comfortable levels.
"The department has not had to even tap into the IVRS’s reserve dam, the Sterkfontein Dam which is at 94,3%. Another, the Grootdraai Dam is currently at 75,9%, and the Bloemhof Dam is at 86,2%."
He says the heatwave has also exacerbated the rate of evaporation in dams, but they are hoping for rain to boost the levels.
Jacaranda News
