Western Cape winter rains continue to fill dams to near capacity levels since the downpours started three months ago.

This is according to the Department of Water and Sanitation.

“The latest figures show that most dams are hovering around 80% and are likely to increase to between 90% and 100% by end of August. Berg River Dam, which forms part of the Western Cape Integrated System, has contributed immensely to the improved water situation in the province,” spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau said.

Last week it recorded a whopping 86% level to the system. In July alone the province’s dams went up by 20%, pushing the levels to 70%. The dams are reported to be at their highest level in four years.

A weekly report by the Department of Water and Sanitation indicates that the improved Western Cape water situation has pushed South Africa’s water storage to 22 510,7 cubic metres.

“However, Free State – which boasts the biggest dams in the country – continues to store most water at 13 124,2 cubic metres than any other province,” Ratau said.

Although some parts are plagued by persistent water shortages, at 2 917,1 cubic metres, Mpumalanga is the second highest water-storing province in the country for this week.

The report rates Western Cape among the top three provinces that currently have sufficient water in their reservoirs.