Government urges Gauteng residents to conserve water

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on Gauteng residents to conserve water following a decrease in the Vaal Dam’s water levels.

Dam levels decreasing

According to the DWS, the Vaal Dam is currently at 49.7%, down from 50.5% the previous week. In comparison to the same period last year, this is a big drop as the dam’s level was 90.1% then. The Vaal Dam forms a key part of the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS).

Although the IVRS is currently stable, it has dropped slightly from last week and dropped significantly compared to this time last year.

The water levels at Grootdraai Dam and Bloemhof Dam have also experienced a decrease in water levels.

Sustainable water supply, but…

The level and stability of the IVRS will ensure a sustainable supply of water to Gauteng residents, but the government is urging residents to use water sparingly and be mindful of saving water instead of wasting it.

The DWS advised Gauteng residents to exercise prudence in their water usage. Furthermore, the DWS urged municipalities to address water leaks within the province as these leaks contribute significantly to water wastage.

It is crucial to conserve water to ensure long-term sustainability. The DWS emphasised that a collective effort is important to preserve this vital resource.

According to BDO South Africa, an advisory firm, the combination of drought, aging infrastructure, population growth, and mismanagement has led to a water crisis in Gauteng.

“Without significant and immediate interventions, the future looks bleak, with the spectre of ‘Day Zero’ looming ever closer.”
Anita Calitz, Director at BDO South Africa and Adele Botes, Senior Audit Manager at BDO South Africa

They added that the current state of Gauteng’s water infrastructure has led to increased water losses, reduced capacity, and ultimately, insufficient water supply to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.

The water crisis in Gauteng is a multifaceted problem that requires a unified response. Government, communities, and the private sector must work together to implement sustainable water management practices, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Population growth in central Gauteng has outpaced the capacity of existing water infrastructure. As more people migrate to the area, the strain on water resources intensifies, leading to more frequent shortages and lower water pressure in many communities.