Water and Sanitation on dam levels in Eastern Cape

Dwindling dam levels a concern in Eastern Cape

The Department of Water and Sanitation in Eastern Cape is still concerned about the low water levels in certain dams around the province.

The current low water levels can be largely attributed to lack of rains caused by drought and climate change. The situation could get worse as we are fast approaching the winter season, which could mean less rains.

The Department of Water and Sanitation pleads with all water users in the province to use water wisely to prevent a disaster from happening. In certain municipalities water restrictions have been implemented as part of mitigating the drought and to prevent a disaster. Although we had some rains in some parts of the province in the past weeks, they did not make any significant impact in our dams.

According to a dam report released by the Department of Water and Sanitation this week, the average Eastern Cape dam levels are at 62% compared to 72% at this time of the year in 2016. This is a sharp decline and it calls for all of us to be really careful about how we use water.

The Algoa Water Supply System is at 39.6% compared to 78.2% at this time of the year in 2016. These dams include: Impofu – 65.7%, Kouga – 23%, Loerie – 44.8% and Groendal – 56.2%.

The Amathole Water Supply System is at 70.5% compared to 88.5% at this time last year. The levels for the dams that form part of the Amathole Water Supply System are as follows: Laing – 98.7%, Rooikrantz – 99%, Gubu – 97.1%, Bridle drift - , Nahoon – 50.1% and Wriggleswade – 92.3%.

Water users in the province are reminded that South Africa is regarded as a water scarce country. Therefore, it is important for everyone to play their role in saving this important resource. The Department of

Water and Sanitation would like to urge everyone to adhere to water restrictions imposed by their respective municipality.

For more information contact:
Mr Sputnik Ratau (Departmental Spokesperson)
Cell: 082 874 2942
Tel: 012 336 6813
E-mail: rataus@dwa.gov.za

Mr Thandile Ngcume (Communication Services)
Cell: 082 659 1422
Tel: 043 604 5418
E-mail: NgcumeT@dws.gov.za

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