WC Water Update: Dam levels shows slight decline

 22 October 2018 

The average dam level in the Western Cape has shown a slight decline for the first time since the end of the winter season.

The latest average level for dams in the province is 65.7% (2017: 36.5%). Dams supplying the City of Cape Town have decreased slightly to 75.2% (2017: 38.2%). Major dams in the province are still markedly better off than last year at this time, with the Theewaterskloof dam still above 58% full (2017: 27.2%) and Clanwilliam Dam at 98% full (2017: 39%).

The greatest ongoing concern remains for the Karoo region of the Western Cape where the average level for dams still stands at below 20%.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says water scarcity remains one of the single most important challenges facing the province. Bredell addressed the Western Cape-Bavaria Regional Cooperation Seminar in Stellenbosch this morning. The seminar dealt with Environmental Technologies in the Water Sector with a focus on information sharing between stakeholders.

“The Western Cape Government has identified water and climate change as provincial risks. The province has been implementing mitigation actions as outlined in the Sustainable Water Management Plan, including tasks like clearing of alien vegetation, treating of waste water and ensuring additional bulk water works, but more needs to be done.”

Bredell says the three year drought provided a catalytic effect with regards to water thinking in the province.

“We experienced radically changing perceptions and real behaviour change among consumers over a very short period. This contributed to the province getting through this crisis. We now need to explore how we can capitalise on the opportunities created by the drought in building a long term sustainable water efficient and resilient society. The emerging water economy will contribute to the sustainable growth and development of the Western Cape,” Bredell said.

Moving forward, partnerships with civil society, business, national departments and municipalities will be critical.

“Implementation is critical. It cannot remain a talking game. The Western Cape prides itself on being a province that gets things done. This must be the story for water too, and we will work with the local and national spheres who hold the reticulation and bulk supply mandates for water.”

Major Dam statistics

Theewaterskloof dam – 58% full this week (2017: 27.2%. Last week: 58%)

Voëlvlei dam – 96% full this week (2017: 28%. Last week: 96%)

Bergriver Dam 99% full this week (2017: 67%. Last week: 99%).

Clanwilliam Dam 98%. (2017: 39%. Last week: 100%) 

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

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