Focus on: Uneven rainfall highlights ongoing water challenges for George

GEORGE NEWS - Despite several big storm systems hitting the Western Cape this year, George and the surrounding Garden Route area have not received as much rain as expected.

While some areas nearby saw heavy downpours, local rainfall in the George catchment - which feeds the Garden Route Dam - has been much lower.

Possible water shortage

“Even when storms are forecast, the rain doesn’t always fall where we need it,” said Neels Barnard, head of George Municipality Emergency Services. “We’ve had weather systems that looked promising, but many of them brought very little rain to our dam area. This makes it difficult to rebuild our water reserves.”

These unpredictable weather patterns are becoming more common with climate change, and the municipality warns that the region could face water shortages again if the trend continues.

“None of us want to relive the Day Zero crisis of 2021,” Barnard said. “Our teams are already planning and working with Civil Engineering Services to make sure we stay ahead of any possible shortages.”

Controlled burns

Alien invasive plants such as wattle, pine, and eucalyptus are also making the situation worse. These trees use large amounts of water and spread quickly, taking over areas that should be covered with natural vegetation.

“They dry out our rivers and increase fire risks,” Barnard explained.

To help manage this problem, George Municipality has been carrying out controlled burns in certain catchment areas over the past few months.

These carefully planned fires help remove invasive trees, reduce fire danger, and improve water runoff into the Garden Route Dam.

“The time to do these burns safely is short and depends a lot on weather conditions,” said Barnard. “But it’s one of the most effective ways to lower fire risk and help more rainwater reach the dam.”

Residents are encouraged to continue using water wisely and to stay informed about dam levels and water restrictions as the dry season continues.

Photos: George Municipality