WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the Western Cape wishes to update citizens about the water situation in the province.

The Hydrological report of Monday, 2 March suggests a 1,63% of the Western Cape Water Supply System dam levels as the system is at 63,88% as compared to 65,51% last week. 

The slight drop can be attributed to hot weather conditions experienced in the last two weeks of February.

Sputnik Ratau, the National Department of Water and Sanitation spokesperson, says the Gouritz River Catchment which covers the eastern part of the Western Cape, remains a concern to DWS.

“The catchment has received lower-than-normal rainfall for the last four rainy seasons,” says Ratau.

The Theewaterskloof Dam, which is the largest dam in the Western Cape, is stable at 59,80%%, an more than 15% increase compared to 40,85% at the same time last year.

Ratau further states that while the Western Cape water situation is healthier than in previous years, this should not lead to complacency.

The Western Cape receives winter rainfall which is stored and used during summer and other seasons. Dams such as the Gamka and Floorskraal will require significant rains to recharge.

Meanwhile, DWS is geared to escalate water resource management awareness activities during the month of March, which is Water Month. The theme for this year’s Water Month is “Water and Climate Change”.

The Water Month campaign will feature a number of activities including water conservation awareness education in communities and schools.

The Department of Water and Sanitation will monitor the situation through its mechanisms, including the DWS scientific modelling and take appropriate steps to ensure uninterrupted water supply in the Western Cape.

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