Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development | Western Cape Government

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Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

27 August 2018

WC Water Update

 

27 August 2018

 

The average dam level in the Western Cape has increased to 55%.

This includes to some extent the rainfall seen over the past weekend. Some highlights include Ceres measuring 110mm over the past seven days and the Berg River Dam, a major dam to the City of Cape Town, reaching 93% full.

In total, dams feeding the City of Cape Town are standing at 62% (2017: 34%).

 

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the winter rainfall has taken the average dam levels from a low of 16% towards the end of April to the current levels of just above 55%.

“We remain concerned about the Karoo areas contained in the Gouritz River Catchment area where the average dam levels are only at 18%. Areas including Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn remain under pressure. Those areas however are largely spring and summer rainfall areas and we hope to see some good rains move into those areas from October.”

 

Bredell has called on consumers to continue to use water sparingly.

“Using less must be the new normal. Even though dam levels are recovering, the message remains to conserve water.”

 

Major Dam statistics

Theewaterskloof dam – 45% full this week (2017: 26%. Last week: 44%)

Voëlvlei dam – 68% full this week (2017: 26%. Last week: 65%)

Bergriver Dam 93% full this week (2017: 54%. Last week: 89%).

Clanwilliam Dam 99%. (2017: 36%. Last week: 99%) 

 

ENDS.

 

The latest dam level data per the National Department of Water and Sanitation

 

 

 

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za