The national Department of Water and Sanitation issued an update to citizens on the status of water in the Western Cape.
The hydrological weekly report of Monday (27 May) showed the state of the Western Cape’s dams, combining all, in which they sit at 57,16%, up from 54,83% last year.
Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), which includes five major dams in the province, is at 58,96%, a 0,5% drop compared to last week’s 59,66%.
The river catchment systems, with the exception of Olifants Doorn, are all hovering above 50%, which is encouraging considering that winter rainfall is on the way.
It is important to note that rain patterns are not predictable due to climate change.
On stand-alone dams the following are readings of some of the key dams in the province:
- Theewaterskloof Dam – 81,78%
- Wolwedans Dam – 97,46%
- Bulshoek Dam – 97,81%
- Eikenhof Dam – 57,45%
According to Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, the departmental head in the Western Cape, the department is satisfied with the dam storages.
“The department will continue monitoring dams across the province so appropriate water security measures can be taken to safeguard water security,” she said.
Bila-Mupariwa said South Africa is a water-stressed country with a stark reality of dwindling water resources as a result of below average rainfall compared to other countries;deteriorating water quality; climate change; and aging and vandalism of infrastructure.
The department urged all water users, in particular high-end users, to prioritise efficient water use.
The fact that water is a catalyst for economic growth and development, health and food security calls for joint efforts to ensure future water security for all.
