Statement by Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development

WC Water Update

The average dam level in the Western Cape has increased to 64%.

Last year at this time the average level for the province was 35%.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, says late winter rainfall and early spring rainfall continues to increase dam levels.

“The Theewaterskloof dam now stands at 56% full. Towards the end of April this year, the dam was below 10% and rapidly emptying.

In total, the levels for the dams feeding the City of Cape Town, currently stands at an average of 74% (2017: 37%).”

Bredell says the Karoo region remains under pressure with average dam levels at 20%.

“The Gouritz River catchment area has seen slight improvement but we need good rains in the coming summer period in this area. The region which includes Beaufort West and Oudtshoorn, tends to be a summer rainfall region.”

Bredell has continued to call on consumers across the province to continue to use water sparingly with the focus on the coming summer season when demand is expected to pick up again.

“In some areas restrictions are being lessened and this may lead to people being less water cautious. I want to urge consumers to continue being water efficient and to make the efficiency changes in water use permanent.”

Major Dam statistics

Theewaterskloof dam – 56% full this week (2017: 28%. Last week: 52%)

Voëlvlei dam – 92% full this week (2017: 27%. Last week: 83%)

Bergriver Dam 99% full this week (2017: 45%. Last week: 97%).

Clanwilliam Dam 100%. (2017: 41%. Last week: 99%) 

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

 ENDS.