MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, minister Anton Bredell has expressed his concern about dam levels in large tracts of the Karoo and Longkloof regions.
This follows the good news that the recent rains have increased the average dam level in the Western Cape to above 60%.
“Thankfully we have seen a little relief over the past seven days also in the Gouritz River catchment area. Its average dam level increase to above 19% following good rains and heavy snowfall over the past week. The snow is welcome as it contributes to groundwater levels as it melts over a longer period. In addition, the region is largely a summer rainfall region, so we look forward to some rains in the months to come,” the minister said in a press release.
In Mossel Bay, unlike much of the province water security is assured with the Ernest Robertson (100.41%) at beyond capacity. Mossel Bay derives the bulk of its potable water from the Wolwedans dam (78.94%), which, like the Klipheuwel dam (68.32%) experienced a marginal increase. The Hartebeestkuil dam is at a mere 4.79%.
In comparison, on 24 August the Hartebeestkuil dam was merely 4.7% full, the Ernest Robertson Dam was at 45.1%. The Wolwedans Dam then was at 79.8%.
Elsewhere in the province, dam levels are recovering steadily with the Theewaterskloof dam at above 50%. Dams feeding the City of Cape Town are currently standing at 69% (2017: 37%).
- Theewaterskloof dam – 51% full this week (2017: 28%. Last week: 48%)
- Voëlvlei dam – 81% full this week (2017: 27%. Last week: 74%)
- Bergriver Dam 98% full this week (2017: 60%. Last week: 97%).
- Clanwilliam Dam 98%. (2017: 40%. Last week: 98%).
Read a related article: Latest news on dam levels
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