SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is thankful for the slight rise in the dam levels and the prospect of significant rainfall across the Western Cape Province.
According to Sputnik Ratau, the spokesperson from the National Department of Water and Sanitation, the South African Weather Services (SAWS) predicts heavy rainfall across the Western Cape Province, in particular across the mountainous areas and says rains are expected to bucket down from this afternoon, Tuesday 4 June.
The DWS hydrological report of Monday, 3 June suggests improvements and stability across the Western Cape catchments. The Breede Valley Catchment is at 29.08% compared to 18.49%, at the same time last year.
Ratau states that there is slight but not significant increase in the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWWS), which comprises six of the largest dams in the province. The WCWWS is currently at 45.78 %, compared to 45.70 % last week.
In the Gouritz River Catchment, the Gamka Dam continues to increase and is at 45.48%, compared to less than 43.33% last week. “This is a relief considering
that the very same dam was lower than 10% around the same time last year,” says Ratau.
Other dam levels in the province:
- Theewaterskloof Dam 36.33%
- Wolwedans 68.89%
- Ceres Dam 59.77%
- Bulshoek Dam 75.93%
"The fact that dam levels are stabilising should not be the reason to be complacent. There should be increased vigor to continue with water saving initiatives," Ratau notes.
"Meanwhile the DWS welcomes the new Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation, Honourable Lindiwe Sisulu and her team."
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