Continue using water sparingly

Water levels at the largest dam in the province, Theewaterskloof Dam, are at 80,89% this week, a similar figure to last year’s 81,65%. This is according to the Western Cape hydrological report for today, 28 February 2022.

The Gouritz River Catchment, which covers the Coastal belt, Little and Central Karoo, averages 55,34%, a better yield than the 24,92% recorededat the same period last year. According to Sputnik Ratau, national spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the Gouritz River Catchment has been a concern for some time.  “The fact that dam levels have improved in this region should be of satisfaction to the farming community in the area”, Ratau says.

The Clanwilliam Dam in the West Coast is currently at 60,60% an over 4% increase as compared to the same period last week.  The Wolwedans Dam in the Garden Route remains above 85%, a significant improvement to the 59,80% at the same time last year.

However, even though most dam storage systems across the Western Cape are satisfactory, water users should continue to use water sparingly as most parts of the Western Cape receive rain in winter.

Meanwhile, DWS Western Cape is preparing to embark on the National Water Week. This annual campaign is the flagship campaign of the DWS. The National Water Week aims to raise awareness of the central role of water in socio-economic development.

For more information on scheduled National Water Week activities visit www.dws.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa