Concern about dam levels in Western Cape - consumers urged to conserve water

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Western Cape Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has urged the public to conserve water in the light of the latest hydrological report (published on 29 December) indicating a notable decline in a few dam levels across the Western Cape.

The Western Cape State of Dams document, which provides a combined average of all dams in the province, is currently sitting at 62,79% which is a decline of more than 20% compared to the same time last year.

The DWS says it remains concerned over the Gouritz River Catchment, which covers the Central, Little Karoo, and Coastal Belt, with Knysna Municipality facing a potential water supply challenge.

Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, DWS Western Cape provincial head, says that DWS, the Western Cape Government, Knysna Municipality and Breede Catchment Management Agency (BCMA) are implementing short to medium term interventions through a weekly Joint operation committee (JOC).

The JOC is a standing intergovernmental structure (national, provincial and local government) which convenes weekly to assess progress on interventions being implemented in Knysna.

The City of Cape Town Metropolitan Municipality has raised concern regarding current water consumption levels, which have exceeded the approved target. Recent statistics indicate an average daily consumption of 1 010 megalitres per day (MLD), surpassing the set limit of 975 MLD. While seasonal increases in water demand are anticipated due to an influx of visitors, Bila-Mupariwa urged all consumers to use water sparingly and adopt responsible water use practices to safeguard the sustainability of the water supply system.

Theewaterskloof Dam, which accounts for more than 50% of the country's water supply, is currently at 67,13% compared with 68,33% last week. Only Buffelsjags Dam has seen an increase of more than 5% this week.

DWS continues to deliver comprehensive regulatory oversight and technical support to all water services authorities across the province. This includes ongoing monitoring of both water quality and water resource availability to ensure compliance, reliability, and the long-term sustainability of water supply systems.