WC Water Update

WC Water Update2 July 2018

Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.

Dam levels in the Western Cape continue to increase as a result of the continued winter rainfall. Major dams in the province have all increased by more than 5% in the past week. The Berg River Dam has received 159mm of rain over the past seven days while the Theewaterskloof Dam has had 51mm in the period.

The average level for dams across the Western Cape is 41.5% (2017: 23.6%). Last week at this time the level was 36.2%. The dams feeding the City of Cape Town are even better off at 48.3% (2017:24.8%).

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says all the catchment areas are showing marked improvement except one - the Gouritz River Catchment - that provides water to areas that include the central Karoo.

“Areas in the Karoo, the Klein Karoo, Boesmanland and Langkloof are still waiting for relief. On a provincial level, we must continue to adhere to water restrictions and reduce water demand.”

Bredell has cautioned the public to take note of weather reports including reports of extreme cold and snowfall across large parts of the province.

“Provincial as well as Municipal Disaster Management Centres will be fully operational with officials on standby 24/7. These centres can be activated immediately should the need arise.

“The public is advised to contact their closest disaster management centre as quickly as possible should an emergency occur.  The easiest number to remember to call in an emergency is 112. This number can be dialled toll-free from any cell phone. We are also calling on communities to cooperate with local authorities and emergency response personnel in the event of any emergency.”

Major Dam statistics

Theewaterskloof dam – 34.1% full this week (2017: 19.2%. Last week: 29%)

Voëlvlei dam – 44.6% full this week (2017: 20.2%. Last week: 38%)

Bergriver Dam 78% full this week (2017: 35%. Last week: 67%).

Clanwilliam Dam 67.7%. (2017: 19%. Last week: 57.4%) 

In ADDITION – Dam Levels in July 2016:

Cape Town System Dams – 43.9%

Berg River Catchment – 49%

Breede River Catchment – 40%

Gouritz River Catchment – 45%

Olifants/Doorn River Catchment – 82%

Western Cape Average levels (combined) – 46%

ENDS.

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

ENDS.