GEORGE NEWS - Regular visitors to the Garden Route Dam have noticed with alarm how dramatically low the water levels have dropped, revealing stretches of shoreline seldom visible before. A small house built as part of the set for the film project Die brug, which once stood almost on the water's edge, now rests on barren ground - perched on the exposed embankment, metres away from the receding waterline.
Deon de Jager, Deputy Director of Water Services in George Municipality's Civil Engineering Department, spoke about how much rainfall would be required to increase the dam's levels and outlined the municipality's contingency measures to enhance water security.
He said there is no fixed amount of rainfall for the dam levels to rise. "It depends on factors such as the moisture content of the catchment area, the intensity of rainfall, run-off and soil saturation.
"Light or scattered rain usually has little impact during a drought. Significant increases occur only when the catchment receives continuous and substantial rainfall over a short period."
De Jager said to strengthen water security, the municipality is currently expanding its use of groundwater as a supplementary source (read more about this in another article).
• A professional geohydrologist has been appointed as part of the comprehensive Water Resources Study (2024).
• Testing of boreholes developed during the 2009/10 drought is under way, and three boreholes will be brought into operation before the end of December.
• The yield of this groundwater project will be confirmed by the geohydrologist, and further decisions will be based on these findings.
• Long-term planning includes the development of additional boreholes, subject to geophysical assessments and legal requirements.
These interventions form part of the short-, medium- and long-term strategy to support surface water supply should the dam levels further decline.
The municipality delivers drinking water to rural areas; orders can be placed with the Civil Complaints Office on 044 801 9262/66. Please note that, due to limited capacity, not everyone can be assisted immediately. Private contractors also provide similar services to the public.
Scan the QR code to watch Jeff Ayliffe's video of the dam.
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