The Western Cape has been receiving an abundance of rain over the last few weeks, pushing dam levels to new heights. For the first time in four years, the average of the Western Cape Water Supply System is at 76.8%.
More rain has been predicted from Tuesday and Wednesday this week to continue the upward trend.
The downpour has also resulted in the Kleinmond Lagoon running into the ocean for the first time in years.
Kleinmond Lagoon opening up first time in many years. ???? pic.twitter.com/QrcOhjVp9m
— Ricardo Mackenzie (@ricardomackenzi) July 31, 2019
The Stettynskloofdam located in a mountainous area south of Breede Valley Municipality in Worcester and Rawsonville is sitting at 101.5%.
While the dam levels have brought a collective sigh of relief across the Western Cape, water must still be used sparingly.
The Karoo region of the Western Cape, specifically the Gouritz River Catchment area, is still seriously lacking water. The dam is sitting at 23.89%. The drought is still prevalent in this part, a serious concern as this dam feeds into a major part of the Karoo. The consequences of the drought are still widely felt, especially as the agriculture sector of this region is so dependent on the Gouritz River Catchment for water supply.
MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell, said to IOL, “two years ago on 7 August 2017 the average dam level for the province was 28%. The Theewaterskloof dam at that stage was only 22% full.”
While the dam levels have reached a record high, we as Capetonians must continue to remember that water is an invaluable resource and that every drop does indeed count.
Picture: Facebook / Rudolph Sharneck