Grootdraai Dam drops to 90.4%

The Department of Water and Sanitation called on residents to be more conservative in their water use and use the available water wisely and sparingly as levels continue to drop in Mpumalanga.

According to the reservoirs’ report of June 10, levels in the province continue to decline as the average dam levels dropped from 95.3% to 94.8% over the past week.

The province also recorded declined water levels in the Water Management Areas and the districts.

In the Water Management Areas, the Olifants dropped from 85.6% to 85.1% and the Inkomati-Usuthu from 95.7% to 95.3%.

In the districts, Ehlanzeni dropped from 99.0% to 98.7%, Gert Sibande dropped from 92.4% to 91.7%, and Nkangala dropped from 96.8% to 96.4%.

In the Gert Sibande District, the Vygeboom Dam remained unchanged at 100.3% and Jericho Dam recorded a slight improvement from 68.5% to 68.6%, with the rest of the listed dams recording declines in its levels.

The dams that recorded declines in water volumes include Grootdraai Dam dropping from 91.4% to 90.4%, Nooitgedacht from 90.9% to 89.8%, Westoe from 64.7% to 62.6%, Morgenstond from 85.2% to 84.8%, and Heyshope from 100.5% to 100.2%.

The department reminded the public that South Africa is a dry and water-scarce country.

“It is important to be conservative in our water use because every drop counts,” their statement concluded.

“The department encourages the public to protect water resources, especially from pollution, to ensure sustainable freshwater supply and water security for current and future generations.”