The City of Cape Town’s dam levels are at slightly lower levels than previous years, but the municipality says projected demand is unlikely to exceed projected supply for the foreseeable future.
In a statement released on Wednesday the city says residents have nothing to worry about as Cape Town receives most of its rainfall during the upcoming winter months, and any concern would be premature as rainfall during the months of June, July and August will determine the level of storage of the dams going into 2016. Residents are assured that the City’s modelling and operation of the system of dams within the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) makes allowance for periods of low rainfall, and planning takes into account possible conditions for a number of years into the future. Reserve storage and, if necessary, the imposing of (relatively) short-term water restrictions, will allow for continued water supply during severe droughts. “In order to avoid this kind of action, over the past few years the City has intensified its focus on proactive measures to reduce water wastage,” says the City’s Acting Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services, Councillor Brett Herron.“These measures include asset management, pressure management schemes, pipe replacement programmes, leak detection and education and awareness about water saving and alternative water sources.
“Leak repairs on private properties are also being offered to indigent customers. These initiatives have helped to successfully suppress the water demand across the city to below maximum levels reached in 2000,’ he explains. “The City would, however, like to emphasise the need for consumers to continue with water saving practices as it is imperative that all of us play our part to conserve water in the city. ‘We need to be mindful that the water being provided by the City of Cape Town is of an exceptionally high quality and should not be wasted. It is this culture that we need to maintain as consumers throughout the year – come rain or shine,” concludes Herron.
