Dam levels and storm update | Western Cape Government

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Dam levels and storm update

18 May 2021

The latest average dam level for dams in the Western Cape is 49.4% (2020: 35.7%). The levels for dams providing water to the City of Cape Town is 69.6% (2020: 53.2%).

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning says damage assessments following the storm nine days ago in the Overberg is nearly complete.

“Private property owners were hardest hit, especially in the agricultural sector where large areas of crops have been lost. The public road infrastructure has also been significantly affected. The numbers are still being quantified.”

The region saw additional rainfall over the past weekend but not to the extent of the week before.

“On Saturday there was some concern with regards to rising water levels in the previously flooded areas of Struisbaai North but the municipal officials from Cape Agulhas Municipality managed to divert the excess water successfully and no evacuations was needed and no additional damage to houses in the area reported.”

The Malgas pont was reopened on 16 May. Some minor roads in the Caledon and Swellendam area remain closed for the moment until conditions improve. These are the HP 282, HP 268, DR 1310, DR 1306 and DR 1308 roads. The Struisbaai road remains heavily waterlogged but is open to slow moving traffic. Municipal officials continue to work hard to complete mopping up the region

“Dam levels across the province has seen some slight improvement over the past ten days and are expected to continue to improve as water from the catchment areas continue to flow to the major dams. The South African Weather Service has issued another warning for the remainder of the week and says light showers can be expected across large parts of the province until Friday evening.”

The figures for major dams across the province:

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam –58.6% full this week (2020: 50.5%. Last week: 59%)

Bergriver Dam 75.5% full this week (2020: 64.8%. Last week: 71.5%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 74.8% full this week (2020: 49.9%. Last week: 73.4%)

Garden Route dam – 100% full this week (2020: 92.7%. Last Week: 100%)

Clanwilliam Dam 13.3%. (2020: 5.2%. Last week: 19.1%) 

Dam levels

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