Western Cape dam level storage is better and healthier, following the worst drought in 2017/18.

This is all thanks to the collaborative efforts of different spheres of government and other sectors that pulled out all the stops to ensure uninterrupted water supply during the drought.

According to the March hydrological report, the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWWS) is currently at 62,11% as compared to 51.63% last year same time last year.

The Theewaterskloof Dam which is the largest dam in the Western is at 56, 88% as compared to 10,60% in March 2018.

While the dam levels have improved, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has said it remains concerned about the Gouritz River System on the Eastern parts of the province (Central Karoo, Klein Karoo and Garden Route Region).

This catchment has received inadequate rainfall in the last three rainy seasons.

“As we all aware, our country is facing a water crisis caused by recurrent droughts driven by climate change, deteriorating water quality. It has become clear that the effects of climate change have dire consequences to water supply.

“Given this, water users are encouraged through the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan to implement projects on alternate sources to decrease reliance on surface.”

Therefore, the department has called upon all citizens in particular high end water users to:

• To reduce demand
• To explore alternate water sources without delay
• Fix water leaks in industry, agriculture and household
• Explore groundwater
• Recycling
• Storm Water Management and Desalination

The department in conjunction with other spheres of government is implementing short-long term interventions including water conservation, water demand management and implementation of infrastructure project to augment water.

“This Department remains resolute in its zero tolerance stance on illegal water use.”

The Blue Scorpions

The Blue Scorpions, which are the core regulatory component within the DWS, was established to ensure the protection of all water resources in the country as well as the enforcement of all water and sanitation laws and regulations.

The Blue Scorpions in the Western Cape have made strides in dealing with non-compliance, in some instances imposing hefty fines to offenders.

2020 Water Month

The month of March was declared as Water Month by Government.

As part of the 2020 Water Month, the Department in conjunction with other stakeholders will host a range of water awareness initiatives to educate the citizens about the socio-economic role of water.