Cape Town - The average combined dam levels of the Western Cape Water Supply System stands at 76,26%, a notable decline from 98,11% at the same time last year.
Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Western Cape Head Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa said on Monday the province received below normal rainfall in the past four months, and as such dam storage levels are a concern compared to the last two years.
The West Coast District Municipality has experienced a sharp decline in dam levels compared to the same time last year.
The Clanwilliam Dam's current level is 58,08%, a significant decline from 99,63% last year. At present, Theewaterskloof, the largest dam in the Western Cape, is at 76,76%, compared to 101% last year this time.
“Despite the dam levels being low compared to the previous two years, there is no need to panic just yet since we are still in a rainy season," Bila-Mupariwa said.
The South African Weather Service, coupled with private weather prediction modelling, has indicated the Western Cape Water Supply System is to receive the bulk of its rainfall within the latter half, in August to October, of the hydrological year.
“While this is the case water users are reminded that climate change has made the rainfall patterns unpredictable. DWS will make pronouncements at the end of the hydrological year, in the month of November.
“All water users, especially high-end water users are urged to use water responsibly,” the department said.
Cape Times