Gauteng dam levels improve ‘slightly’

Vaal River system levels improved “slightly” this week, according to the water and sanitation department, Rekord North reports.

This comes after uncertainty as levels had continued to drop recently, striking fear in the hearts of consumers in Gauteng.

“Although marginal, it shines a ray of hope that the recent rainfalls in Gauteng and other parts of the country will contribute towards raising levels of dams that have been under stress,” said departmental spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.

Ratau said the levels had improved since last week.

However, the Vaal Dam, which is one of the backbones of the Vaal River system, as well as the Grootdraai Dam, took a knock this week.

“The Vaal Dam took a notch down this week.”

He said the decline has been attributed to the combined effects of soaring temperatures, excessive water usage and less than normal rainfall this summer.

Ratau said water users in Gauteng are urged to take advantage of the current rainfalls to harvest water to provide a respite to the system.

“This is important as the province is moving ever so closer to the winter season where rainfall chances are few and far in between.”