Spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said the decline has been happening weekly since the end of the rain season in April.
“A number of factors are at play, including but not Ltd to the end of the rainfall season for inland provinces at the end of April.
“Continued normal water usage in the period under review, lower than average rains in the rainy season plus high temperatures at the same time led to high rates of evaporation,” said Ratau.
The Vaal Dam is part of the country's biggest water system.
“The levels will be affected by the expected rains in the next rainy season for the inland provinces, particularly about the catchment areas that recharge the rivers which in turn recharge the dams within the Integrated Vaal river System, which is a combination of 14 dams, including the Vaal Dam and the dams in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project,” said Ratau.
He urged residents to reduce demand and to report damaged infrastructure and illegal water connections.
TimesLIVE
No restrictions yet despite Vaal Dam level decreasing significantly
Reporter
Image: MARIANNE SCHWANKHART
The department of water & sanitation will not be imposing water restrictions, despite having issued a warning that water levels in the Vaal Dam are on the decline.
Water levels are 36%, a significant decrease from 57. 6% this time last year.
Spokesperson Sputnik Ratau said the decline has been happening weekly since the end of the rain season in April.
“A number of factors are at play, including but not Ltd to the end of the rainfall season for inland provinces at the end of April.
“Continued normal water usage in the period under review, lower than average rains in the rainy season plus high temperatures at the same time led to high rates of evaporation,” said Ratau.
The Vaal Dam is part of the country's biggest water system.
“The levels will be affected by the expected rains in the next rainy season for the inland provinces, particularly about the catchment areas that recharge the rivers which in turn recharge the dams within the Integrated Vaal river System, which is a combination of 14 dams, including the Vaal Dam and the dams in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project,” said Ratau.
He urged residents to reduce demand and to report damaged infrastructure and illegal water connections.
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