The Western Cape government says dam levels in the drought plagued province have risen above 50%.

Local government, environmental affairs and development planning MEC for the Western Cape Anton Bredell says the rainfall this winter season has provided much needed relief.

At the moment the dams supplying the City of Cape Town are at a collective 56%.  Bredell is urging residents to continue to use water sparingly.

“We are breathing slightly easier but we must make it clear that we are not out of the woods yet. For one thing, 50% is not 100% or even 80% and we are heading to a summer season where demand will increase again rapidly. In addition, the situation in the Gouritz River Catchment area remains serious.”

Bredell says weather forecasters are indicating some additional rainfall for July, August and September but with very little confidence in the forecast which means there is a small likelihood of more good rains to come.