Vaal Dam Remains Above Capacity, Ensuring Stable Water Supply to Gauteng: DWS

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), a critical water supply network supporting Gauteng and neighbouring provinces, experienced a minor decrease from 100.8% to 100.1%.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reported that the Vaal Dam, one of South Africa’s most critical water reservoirs, continues to perform strongly, with storage levels remaining above full capacity this week.

According to the latest weekly assessment, the Vaal Dam recorded a marginal decline from 103.8% last week to 102.2%, but remains at satisfactory and secure levels, ensuring a reliable water supply to Gauteng and surrounding provinces.

Major Reservoirs Show Stable Performance

The DWS report indicates that other key reservoirs within the national water system are also performing well:

• Sterkfontein Dam remained stable at 100.1%

• Bloemhof Dam showed a slight increase from 98.0% to 98.2%

• Grootdraai Dam remained above capacity, with levels at 101.19%, marginally down from 101.4%

The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), a critical water supply network supporting Gauteng and neighbouring provinces, experienced a minor decrease from 100.8% to 100.1%.

“Despite this marginal decline, the IVRS continues to demonstrate strong performance, with stable storage levels ensuring sustained water availability,” the department said.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project Reservoirs Remain Favourable

Reservoirs linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) also continue to reflect encouraging trends, despite slight decreases:

• Mohale Dam declined from 102.3% to 101.9%

• Katse Dam decreased from 100.8% to 99.0%

The DWS emphasised that these levels remain favourable and continue to support South Africa’s long-term water security through inter-basin transfer schemes.

Call for Responsible Water Use

While current storage levels remain strong, the department reiterated the importance of responsible water use, ongoing infrastructure maintenance, and effective demand management.

“Water supply capacity is influenced not only by storage levels, but also by operational efficiency, water conservation practices, and prevailing climatic conditions,” the department noted.

The DWS said it will continue to monitor dam and reservoir levels on a weekly basis to ensure stability in water supply and to keep the public informed.

Integrated System Key to Water Security

The department also cautioned against viewing water security solely through the status of the Vaal Dam.

“The IVRS functions as an integrated network supported by several reservoirs and inter-basin transfer schemes, including the Lesotho Highlands Water Project,” the statement said.

Overall, the department said the latest figures demonstrate the strong performance of South Africa’s national water storage system, underpinned by consistent inflows and effective water resource management.