Dam levels update, Barrydale fire under control

The latest average dam level for dams in the Western Cape is 62.2% (2020: 50.5%) while

the latest average level for dams providing water to the City of Cape Town, is 81.5% (2020: 68.4%).

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says dam levels are dropping slightly, which is entirely normal and to be expected.

“We are in the hot, summer months where water demand is high and the province is largely a winter rainfall area. It is not unusual to see dam levels dropping. What is reassuring is that the levels are higher than they have been in the past seven years for this time of year. That gives us a good basis for the year to come.”

Wildfire under control

Bredell says the wildfire threatening the Barrydale area was brought largely under control on Sunday.

“All the controlled fires had been completed and as planned, the section of the wildfire that originated in the mountains and was moving towards the town of Barrydale, burnt itself out. However as weather conditions changed, another section of the fire was carried by the wind to Grootvadersbosch. This fire currently remains inaccessible.  Firefighters continue with mopping up operations around Barrydale while the fire in Grootvadersbosch is being closely monitored.”

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam – 75.9% full this week (2020: 69.4%. Last week: 78.4%)

Bergriver Dam 81.4% full this week (2020: 81.9%. Last week: 83.5%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 85.2% full this week (2020: 62%. Last week: 86.4%)

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

Clanwilliam Dam 53.1%. (2020: 40.2%. Last week: 57.3%) 

Data from National Department of Water and Sanitation