Experts allay worries over decline in Vaal Dam level

It is not time to panic over the declining water level at Vaal Dam, although it is worrying, say water experts.

- Marizka Coetzer

Ferrial Adam, executive manager of WaterCAN said she hadn't panicked yet, but was concerned.

This followed an announcement by the department of water and sanitation that it would release water from Sterkfontein Dam into the Vaal Dam if the level dropped from the current 28.2% to 18%.

Adam said she would only start to panic when the level dropped to 18%, when asked what the government was doing to avert drought.

"In the meantime, we need to prepare," said Adam.

"So what else is the government putting in place to manage a potential drought? We need some good rain," she said.

"We need better enforcement of level 1 restrictions. I am still seeing people using hosepipes and watering gardens at midday and these are not residents, but malls and wedding venues."

Hennops River Revival founder Tarryn Johnston said: "We know there is enough water. But what about the water footprint, what is the quality, and what does it do to the cost of treatment and, ultimately, the consumer price?"