MOSSEL BAY NEWS - On Monday, 27 May, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) updated citizens about the status of water in the Western Cape Province.
The hydrological weekly report of 27 May 2024 shows that the Western Cape state of dams, which combines all dams in the province, is at 57,16%, a better yield compared to 54,83%% at the same date last year.
The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), which includes five major dams in the province, is at 58,96%, a 0,5% drop compared to last week's 59,66.
"The river catchment systems, with the exception of Olifants Doorn, are all hovering above 50%, which is encouraging considering that winter rain is on the way, a statement noted.
It is important to note that rain patterns are not predictable due to climate change," the DWS statement read.
On standalone dams, the following are readings of some of the key dams in the province:
- Theewaterskloof Dam 81,78%
- Wolwedans Dam 97,46%
- Bulshoek Dam 97,81%
- Eikenhof Dam 57,45%
According to Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, the DWS Western Cape head, her department is satisfied with the dam storage. "DWS will continue monitoring dams across the province so that appropriate water security measures can be taken to safeguard water security,” says Bila-Mupariwa.
She says South Africa is a water-stressed country with a stark reality of dwindling water resources due to:
- Below average rainfall compared to other countries.
- Deteriorating water quality.
- Climate change.
- Aging and vandalism of infrastructure.
"DWS urges all water users, in particular, high-end users to prioritise efficient water use," the statement noted. - Department of Water & Sanitation.
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