Words we never thought we would hear a few years ago… Theewaterskloof dam is at 100% capacity. Yes, the dams have been filling up nicely over winter but these words are music to every Caapetonian’s ears.
The Western Cape dams are 99.7%, and the main feeder dam, which is Theewaterkloof, is completely full. Three years ago the very same dam was at 12.9% full, and Cape Town was days away from being the first city in the world to run out of potable water.
A look at Theewaterskloof over the years.
Source : ESA pic.twitter.com/aqGXKyYCtv
— Weather?️by AfriWX (@afriwx) September 24, 2020
Despite dams reaching these incredible levels, the city is still imposing water restrictions and heightened water rates. They explained that these will be reconsidered only after the rainy season, despite evidence that Cape Town is no longer in danger of losing water.
“A final decision regarding water restriction levels will be taken at the official end of the rainfall season after 31 October, in consultation with national government, the agriculture sector and smaller municipalities, which share water supply sources with Cape Town. Any decisions taken will be mindful of residents’ praiseworthy relationship with water, and the City will seek to find an arrangement most beneficial to residents, and one that is sustainable for our water security,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Xanthea Limberg.
Picture:@JayParbhoo_wced/Twitter