The Department of Water and Sanitation’s weekly state of reservoirs report of January 28 indicates that provincial water levels have dropped from 101.5% to 100.7%.

According to the statement, compiled by Wisane Mavasa, most listed dams remain above 100%. The Gert Sibande District average dropped from 100.4% to 100.1%.

Some listed dams in the district recorded improvements while others dropped in water levels.

Grootdraai Dam increased from 101.9% to 102.1% and Jericho Dam recorded an increase from 100.8% to 100.9%. Westoe Dam was the final dam to record an increase from 83.4% to 86.1%.

All other dams recorded declines: Nooitgedacht Dam from 101.9% to 98.5%, Vygeboom Dam from 102.2% to 100.9%, Morgenstond Dam from 100.5% to 100.1%, and Heyshope Dam from 100.8% to 100.5%.

The DWS continues to emphasise the importance of extreme caution around water sources and safety measures as dams continue to overflow and rivers carry high water volumes.

“The Department also calls on the public to avoid building on flood lines as this makes them susceptible to flooding and being washed away when the water sources spill and overflow,” stated Mavasa.

Despite overflowing water sources, South Africa remains a water-scarce country and water conservation remains important to creating sustainable and reliable water supplies for the future. The DWS encourages the public to practice rainwater harvesting to relieve pressure on municipal systems.