Western Cape dams on the upward curve
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the Western is pleased with the manner in which the dams in the Province are being replenished. This followed other heavy downpours that fell in the catchments.
The weekly hydrological report of today 24 August 2020 indicates that the Western Cape Water Supply System’s (WCWSS) combined average is at 88,01% as compared to 84,56% same time last week, a hefty increase.
The Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest dam in the Western Cape is currently standing at 84,96%, an over 10% increase as compared to 71% at the same time last year. Sputnik Ratau DWS National Spokesperson said that the last time the higher dam levels like these were witnessed was in 2013 when many dams were overflowing.
“We however remain concerned about the Central and Little Karoo regions which cover Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn as these areas received inadequate rains in the last few years”, says Ratau. “This region mostly receives Summer rainfall and we are hoping that good rains will fall to turn around the situation”.
The fact that the water situation has improved significantly as compared to the last 3 years should be a driver to renew efforts in using water sparingly. Climate change has demonstrated that rain patterns are relatively uneven and unpredictable, thus the need to save water in particular by the high-end users.
Meanwhile, DWS salutes all its women water pioneers as the August month is closing. These are unsung heroines who despite many challenges deliver water and sanitation services to citizens.
“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”
For more information contact:
DWS Media Liaison Director
Sputnik Ratau
Cell: 082 874 2942
