Western Cape dams are currently in a better state as compared to the same time last year.

The Western Cape Water Supply System comprises six large dams which are currently 46.91% full, compared to 19.61% at the same time last year.

Encouragingly, there has been a slight increase in the Gamka Dam which supplies the area of Beaufort West in the Karoo. “The Karoo region in particular has been a concern for some time as the dam was very empty at the beginning of the year. While we have witnessed an improvement, the Karoo area is definitely not out of the wood yet”, says Sputnik Ratau, spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).

The other dam levels across the province are currently standing as follows:

Garden route Dam: 90.25%

Wolwedans Dam: 70.82%

Clanwilliam Dam: 13.27%

Kwaggaskloof Dam: 22.40%

Be cautious in case of flooding

The DWS also noted that while the recent downpours experience across parts of the country improve water security, residents must remember that water can be dangerous, and although the Western Cape is a winter rainfall province, it is not immune to flooding.

The department also called on Western Cape residents to practice water saving initiatives such as rain water harvesting during the upcoming rainy season.