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 Langkloof regions.
This follows the good news that the recent rains have increased the average dam level in the Western Cape to well 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.
The Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson Sputnik Ratau has urged all water users to continue to save water and use the resource sparingly during spring and summer seasons.
"We ask parents in particular to educate the young ones about water conservation, as they are oblivious to the water challenges the province is facing," Ratau said.
Local dams
In Mossel Bay, unlike much of the province, water security is assured with the Ernest Robertson (100.41%) at beyond capacity.
"Mossel Bay, however, derives the bulk of its potable water from the Wolwedans dam (78.94%), slightly less than about a month ago despite the rain. 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%).
In the Garden Route, the rainfall between 7 September and 8 September varied, with Mossel Bay averaging between 50mm and 60mm; George 55 - 73mm; Oudtshoorn 20 - 22mm; and Riversdale 50 mm. The Tsitsikamma, however received a massive 260mm, and the Stormsriver area an equally phenomenal 212mm of rain. Knysna (100 - 130mm) and Bitou (130mm - 150mm) also received wonderful downpours.
Read a previous article: Dam levels rise after rain
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