Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

WC Water Update

23 July 2018

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

The average dam level in the Western Cape has gone above 50%.

A year ago the level was at 26% and towards the end of April 2018 the level was still around 16%.

The dams feeding the City of Cape Town are currently standing at 56%.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape says the rainfall this winter season has provided much needed relief.

“We have received a lot of water. That, along with the province’s augmentation work over the past three years and the public’s efforts to conserve water has seen us through a very dry period. We want to thank each and every person who has played a part in managing this drought.”

However, Bredell says it is still too soon to ease up on water savings.

“We are breathing slightly easier but we must make it clear that we are not out of the woods yet. For one thing, 50% is not 100% or even 80% and we are heading to a summer season where demand will increase again rapidly. In addition, the situation in the Gouritz River Catchment area remains serious.”

Bredell says weather forecasters are indicating some additional rainfall for July, August and September but with very little confidence in the forecast which means there is a small likelihood of more good rains to come.

“Given the present situation in water levels of our dams and the continued long term winter outlook, we continue to urge the public to do as much as possible to conserve water. In fact we are urging that the behaviour change we have seen with water usage, must become long term and permanent moving forward.” 

Major Dam statistics

Theewaterskloof dam – 41.2% full this week (2017: 20.9%. Last week: 40.3%)

Voëlvlei dam – 57% full this week (2017: 22%. Last week: 54%)

Bergriver Dam 86% full this week (2017: 38%. Last week: 85%).

Clanwilliam Dam 98%. (2017: 25%. Last week: 96%) 

ENDS.