Dam levels

The latest average dam level for dams in the Western Cape is 57.4% (2020: 45.8%). The levels for dams providing water to the City of Cape Town is 77.24% (2020: 63.8%).

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, says the province’s main concern with regards to water currently lies with sections of the Garden Route district and the Central Karoo district.

“Communities like Herbertsdale and Merweville are some of our main concerns. These areas remain in severe drought. The department has been providing support on an ongoing basis. In Herbertsdale the process of drilling, testing, equipping and connection of boreholes is on track to be completed by end of March.”

Bredell says the project – when completed - will supply 2Ml/day to the community of Herbertsdale and provide all present and future water needs.

“Their present water demand is 1Ml/day. With regards to Merweville the department is providing ongoing support in terms of refilling the town’s reservoir on an ongoing basis with the assistance of the Coca-Cola company. When it comes to the agriculture sector in the affected regions, the department of agriculture is assisting on an ongoing basis.”

Bredell says it remains vital that communities continue to use water responsibly.

The figures for major dams across the province:

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam – 72% full this week (2020: 62.8%. Last week: 72.2%)

Bergriver Dam 75.5% full this week (2020: 75.3%. Last week: 77.47%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 81.6% full this week (2020: 58.7%. Last week: 81.65%)

Garden Route dam – 100% full this week (2020: 96.9%. Last Week: 100%)

Clanwilliam Dam 41.3%. (2020: 29.8%. Last week: 45.27%) 

Data per National Department of Water and Sanitation