The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) in the Western Cape Region has called on residents near dams to be cautious as dams, canals and reservoirs in the province are at full capacity due to the persistent heavy rains.The soil in the Western Cape is saturated due to high rainfall and will result in a high runoff which could cause excessive flooding in low areas. People who stay within the 1:100 year flood lines are especially advised to be on the alert. The department has met with the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to discuss the disaster risks associated with the dams in the province. The average capacity of Western Cape dams is currently at 102.35% full. The risk areas with a high possibility have been identified as:

• Eerste River system
• The Lourens River at Somerset-West
• The confluence of the Olifants and Doring Rivers downstream of the Clanwilliam dam close to Vredendal
• Kingna and Keisies River
• Berg River at the Paarl downstream of Berg River dam
• Wolwedans Dam

The region is currently on alert and closely observing the specific areas of concern. The level of dams is also under constant monitoring by means of real time monitoring systems. Currently the Berg River at Paarl is experiencing a localised flooding which is affecting nearby informal settlements. The ewaterskloof Dam’s water capacity is currently 105.80 % full and has an uncontrolled side channel spillway.