Dam levels in the Western Cape are averaging at below 40% despite Level 3b water restrictions that were implemented last week. This prompted discussions between members of the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) who debated whether further interventions were required.

The WCWSS consists of six major dams that supply the Cape Town metro and surrounding municipalities. According to a city report, on 30 January the province’s dams had an average capacity of 39.2%.

WSWSS meeting proposed the following:

Several concerns and strategies were raised during the meeting and the following plans were suggested to help maintain a sustainable supply of water. They were:

• Due to less reliable rainfall patterns, the WSWSS suggested the development of alternative water sources which includes recycling and the use of ground water.
• Members suggested that the desalination of sea water also be re-evaluated as new technology and lower cost options are available.
• Municipal water be used for essential services only.
• The implementation of onsite stormwater management (to assist with additional storage of rainwater).
• The banning of municipal drinking water in garden activities. Recycled water should be used for this.
• Water restrictions will remain until the dams fill up to 85%.

Excessive water-using areas identified

The City of Cape Town recently identified residential areas where water overuse was extreme, despite the strain the province is under and its severe restrictions.

Last week, the city indicated that about 20,000 residents were guilty of excessive water use. They were identified in the following areas: Newlands, Kraaifontein, Somerset West, Constantia, Athlone, Newfields, Rylands and Lansdowne.

Mayoral committee member Xanthea Limberg said that overuse in these areas amounted to about 65% of the city’s overall water consumption.

Limberg said before Level 3b restrictions were implemented, the average use per household was well under 1,000 litres per day and less than 30 kilolitres per month.  She added that high-users consumed about 50 kilolitres of water per month.

Cape could have 20% water by winter

The Department of Water and Sanitation said there has been a 1.5% drop in water levels week on week.

The City of Cape Town does not expect to run out of water before the next rainy season, however it said that forecasts predict that the province’s dam levels could drop to approximately 20% by winter. This could be the case if water use is not drastically reduced.

The department said according to historical records, while this may be the longest period of below average levels in decades, there is still adequate storage of water supply until the next rainy season, if we use less water.

“The fact that the dams may not fill means that we may start the next season with lower dam levels,” the department said.

Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille has been very vocal about the strain the city and country is under. “Saving water is not optional,” she said. She added that if residents continue to abuse the water, “we will all suffer”.