Gauteng’s Water Reality in 2025
While the Vaal Dam sits at a rare winter surplus of 107.7 %, underlying risks in infrastructure, political delays on the LHWP and growing demand mean every home and business needs backup plans today.
Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Phase II Delays
• Tender disputes and contractor setbacks
• Corruption investigations
• Cross-border political tensions
Vaal Dam Metrics (June 2025)
| 📊 Metric | 🔍 Status |
|---|---|
| Dam Level | 107.7 % (above full) |
| Inflow | ~ 74.8 m³/s |
| Outflow | ~ 16.8 m³/s |
| Rainfall Outlook | Dry winter forecast |
| Historical Drop Risk | ~ 50 % drop by spring in past years |
Infrastructure Crisis
• Over 40 % of treated water lost to leaking pipelines, illegal connections and poor maintenance
• Billions pledged for upgrades stuck in bureaucracy
• Johannesburg and Tshwane enforcing intermittent restrictions and pressure management
Why Backup Sources & Testing Are Vital
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Install boreholes or rainwater-harvesting tanks
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Add JoJo or brick storage tanks with pumps
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Test water to SANS 241:2015 standards for nitrates, bacteria and metals
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Fit filtration and disinfection to match bottled-water or irrigation quality
Water Testing Compliance
• SANS 241:2015 (Drinking Water)
• SANS 1657 (Bottled Water)
• Grey/effluent discharge standards
• Farm and estate irrigation safety
Need a reliable partner for borehole or backup-water testing? Contact H₂OGuru at www.h2oguru.co.za