The water storage levels of the Vaal dam increased week-on-week from 106.3% last week to 107.3% this week.

The dam, a vital component of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), is currently storing about 2.57-billion cubic metres of water, exceeding its designated full supply volume.

However, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has adopted a proactive approach by maintaining the Vaal dam at full capacity until the start of the summer rainy season.

This precautionary measure forms part of a broader strategy to safeguard water security and prepare for possible drought conditions, the DWS said in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that it prioritising sustained high water storage levels in key dams, such as the Vaal and Bloemhof, to ensure adequate supply to meet future needs.

The sustained high-water levels across the Vaal dam and other reservoirs are the result of above-normal rainfall earlier in the year combined with effective water resource management during this low-flow season.

Under the IVRS framework, inflows are regulated to ensure consistent storage capacity, bolstering the region’s long-term water security.

The IVRS is currently operating at 100.9%, reflecting only a marginal decline from last week’s 101%, indicating stability in the system’s performance.

Within the IVRS, the water levels of the Grootdraai dam decreased slightly from 99.4% to 98.6%, while the Sterkfontein dam, a crucial reserve for the Vaal dam, declined marginally from 99.3% to 99.1%.

Bloemhof dam’s water levels decreased from 109.2% last week to 108.4% this week, continuing a gradual decline since May when normal operations resumed. Notably, this time last year, Bloemhof was at about 91%.

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which significantly augments the IVRS, recorded mixed results with Katse dam’s week-on-week water levels declining from 90.6% to 89.5% and Mohale dam showing a marginal decrease from 102.1% to 101.9%, reflecting ongoing stability in cross-border water supply contributions.

Despite current healthy storage levels, the department continues to urges the public to use water responsibly, as efficient water management remains critical in the face of climate change, population growth and increasing urban demand.