South Africa’s Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says dam levels across the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) remain strong as the rainy season advances, with the Vaal Dam currently at 103.17 percent capacity and the IVRS holding steady at 100.8 percent.
The IVRS supplies most of Gauteng – the country’s economic hub – as well as parts of the Free State, North West and Mpumalanga.
In its latest weekly update, DWS said the Vaal Dam’s sustained levels reflect consistent inflows and effective system management.
Other key dams in the network also remain healthy: Sterkfontein is at 100.1 percent, Bloemhof at 98.13 percent and Grootdraai at 101.71 percent.
Storage facilities linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project – a critical inter‑basin transfer scheme that bolsters Gauteng’s supply – also show positive trends.
Katse Dam has risen to 100.8 percent while Mohale remains above full capacity at 102.3 percent.
Stability of the IVRS is a welcome development in a country that has long battled drinking‑water shortages driven by drought cycles, failing municipal infrastructure, high demand and poor maintenance.
Even in years of healthy dam levels, many communities continue to face intermittent supply interruptions and water‑quality concerns.
DWS said it continues to monitor inflows closely and maintain readiness for potential flooding, noting that the South African Weather Service now forecasts above‑normal rainfall for the rest of the 2025/26 season that ends in April/May.
JN/APA