The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is pleased with rains received in and around Cape Town at the beginning of the week and hopes that the downpours will recharge dams in the nearby catchments.

The DWS Western Cape weekly dam hydrological report released on Monday, 21 August 2023 indicates that the Western Cape State of Dams, which combines all dams in the Western Cape Province, has seen a slight increase and currently stands at 91,38%, compared to 91,12% same time last week.

Commendably, a steady healthy water yield is maintained in most of the River Catchments in the province including the Olifants-Doorn, Gouritz River Catchments with some dams hovering above 90%.

On individual dams the following dam levels have been recorded

• Theewaterskloof Dam – 100.43%
• Clanwilliam Dam – 99.72%
• Brandvlei Dam – 77.43%
• Berg River Dam – 100.38%
• Wolwedans Dam – 99.72%

DWS Western Cape Provincial Head, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa said while her department is pleased with the rate at which the dams are replenishing, water users are reminded that South Africa is a water stressed country.

“We urge all water users in Western Cape to use water sparingly. It is more critical now for our province to be circumspect in its water consumption because our rains are mostly experienced in the winter season,” said Bila-Mupariwa.

In fulfilment of its mandate, DWS in conjunction with other spheres of government and water agencies will continue to monitor hydrological outlook in the Western Cape Province and where necessary make adjustments to safeguard water security.

“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”