The Department of Water and Sanitation today began releasing water from its reserves into the Vaal Dam to help raise water levels in the drying system which supplies most of Gauteng.

Last week, the department announced it would release water from its Sterkfontein Dam reserves today before the Vaal Dam drops below 25%. The Vaal currently sits at 26%.

Speaking to SABC’s Morning Live today, the department’s spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, explained that the water is being released at a rate of 20m² per second until the beginning of December and will thereafter to be released at a rate of 70m² and be closed off towards the end of December.

“We need to ensure that even as the water flows that people living along the path way of the water will not be adversely affected. That is why we have requested farmers along the route to remove their equipment and livestock [in case flooding occurs],” Ratau said.

The department has urged the public to save water, as the Sterkfontein Dam is its last form of intervention in the ongoing water crisis in Gauteng.

The Joburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane metros have already begun water shedding at different times, as the province has failed to reduce its water consumption by 15% as directed by the department back in September.

[Image – Wikimedia Commons]