The level of the Vaal Dam has improved to 78.8% as this year's summer season delivers much-needed rains.

Last year at the same time it was at 35.9%.

For the second consecutive week, the Sterkfontein Dam is hovering above the 100% mark. On Friday, the water department said its level was recorded at 100.5%, while last year at the same time it stood at 94.8%. The Sterkfontein Dam is one of 14 dams in the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) and is used to replenish the system in times of need.

The Mohale Dam in Lesotho recorded a slight improvement to 38.5%. In the comparative week last year, the dam was at a very low 4.4% and had been on a decline for months.

The second highest dam in the IVRS, also in Lesotho, the Katse Dam is currently at 71.6%. During the same period last year, the dam stood at 25.5%.

The Bloemhof Dam is at 91.3%, compared with 82% during the same week last year.

The Grootdraai Dam, however, is at 72.5% — lower compared to last year’s level during the same week, when it was at 82.7%.

Overall, the IVRS is at 81.5%, higher compared to the previous year at the same time when it was at 57.3%.

TimesLIVE