The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is calling on residents and water users to intensify water conservation efforts and use water responsibly following a slight decrease in the level of Grootdraai Dam, which has fallen below the 100% mark after remaining above full capacity for an extended period.

According to the latest DWS weekly State of Reservoirs report released last week, the Grootdraai Dam slightly dropped from 100.0% to 99.9%.

The report further indicates that most listed dams in the Gert Sibande District recorded decreases in water levels during the reporting period.

Nooitgedacht Dam was the only dam to record an increase, rising from 99.9% to 100.3%, while Morgenstond Dam remained unchanged at 99.6%.

The other listed dams which recorded drops in water levels include Vygeboom Dam from 100.6% to 100.5%, Jericho Dam from 98.7% to 98.0%, Westoe Dam from 77.4% to 75.7%, and Heyshope Dam from 101.4% to 101.2%.

At a provincial level, the average dam storage in Mpumalanga also slipped below the 100% mark, declining slightly from 100.0% to 99.9%.

The province’s Water Management Areas recorded mixed results, with the Limpopo-Olifants Water Management Area remaining unchanged at 101.5%, while the Inkomati-Usuthu Water Management Area decreased from 99.7% to 99.5%.

All the three districts of the Mpumalanga Province recorded declines in water levels. Ehlanzeni slightly dropped from 100.7% to 100.6%, Gert Sibande from 99.3% to 99.1%, and Nkangala from 100.6% to 100.5%.

The Department of Water and Sanitation reminds South Africans that the country remains a water-scarce country making water conservation and responsible use of available water critical for sustainable and lasting water supply and water security.

“Every drop we save today plays a critical role in protecting water supplies for both present and future generations.

“Together, through small but meaningful actions, we can make a lasting impact and ensure water security for all,” said Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation.

DWS further calls on communities to protect water infrastructure from vandalism and theft to prevent unnecessary loss of precious water, as every drop counts.