The drought is far from over and water restrictions will continue to be implemented in an effort to conserve water.  According to the weekly report by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the national storage is under increasing stress and shows a steady decline week on week.  As of 5 September, national dam levels were at 53% compared to 72% at this time last year.  Compounding this is the long range forecast which shows below normal expected rainfall in the coming months.