Storm and dam level update

No major incidents have been reported to the provincial disaster management centre as a result of the latest winter storm that moved into the province overnight. Conditions remain wet and cold with continued risk of localised flooding in low-lying areas. This continues to be monitored on an ongoing basis.

The cold and wet weather is predicted to continue throughout the week with two further cold fronts expected on Thursday and Saturday.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says the wet weather is also bringing along much colder weather across the province.

“We want to urge the public to remain indoors as much as possible over the next few days and to be aware of the conditions when travelling around outdoors. While staying indoors, we encourage good ventilation as much is reasonably possible given the current third Covid wave. Disaster and emergency responders remain on standby across the province.”

The latest average dam level for dams in the Western Cape is 55% (2020: 44%) while the latest average level for dams providing water to the City of Cape Town, is 75.2% (2020: 62.5%).

“The major dams providing water to the City of Cape Town continue to fill up and will certainly get further relief following this week’s rainfall. We continue to urge people to use water responsibly.”

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam – 61.9% full this week (2020: 57.6%. Last week: 60%)

Bergriver Dam 89.1% full this week (2020: 81.2%. Last week: 86.1%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 79.4% full this week (2020: 59.2%. Last week: 79.5%)

Clanwilliam Dam 23.6%. (2020: 19.9%. Last week: 22.3%) 

Data from National Department of Water and Sanitation