The Department of Water and Sanitation has called on the public to utilise water with caution as the winter season sets in with a minimal amount of rainfall.

This week’s water levels demonstrated a minimal decline of water levels compared to the same period last week.

“This week, the overall storage capacity of the country’s water level sits at 95.4%, a slight decline from last week’s 96.2%, and a notable enhancement from last year’s 84.8%,” the department said.

In KwaZulu-Natal, following the recent floods which left more than 430 people dead, the water situation is still dire for many outlying areas.

“In the flood-hit KwaZulu-Natal, Albert Falls Dam, an integral part of the Umgeni Water Supply System, which supplies water to eThekwini Metro and surrounding areas declined from 102.9% to 101.7%. The Midmar Dam moved up from 102.8% last week to 100.7% this week.

“The department continues to work tirelessly with authorities in KwaZulu-Natal to rebuild infrastructure and restore water supply in the province following the recent devastation caused by floods,” the department said.