Update on Western Cape water situation

Last week, warm weather continued in the Western Cape.  The Acting Provincial Head of DWS Western Cape, Ms. Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, says warm weather conditions are typical for this time of the year in the Western Cape.

Bila-Mupariwa further states that as per the weekly hydrological report of yesterday, 31 January 2022, a slight drop in some water storages facilities across the province has been experienced, which can be attributed to hot weather conditions.

The Olifants/Doorn Catchment Area located on the West Coast has seen a significant drop, standing at 76,70% as compared to 81,65% last week. The Gouritz River Catchment, which has had inadequate rainfall for a few years (under 40% for four years), has improved after significant rainfalls accompanied by flooding. The combined average for the Gouritz River Catchment is 57.58% currently. Of the individual dams, only Clanwilliam and Elandskloof dams saw a decrease of more than 5%.

Meanwhile DWS Western Cape is satisfied that water supply in Cape Town areas, such as Blue Downs, Malibu, Eerste River etc, has been restored. Water had been intermittently flowing to these areas after a pipe burst. DWS urges all water users to continue using water sparingly.

“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”

For more information, contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 082 874 2942

For media releases, speeches and news visit the Water & Sanitation portal at: www.dws.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa