The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is urging everyone in the Western Cape to step up their water conservation efforts as the province’s water levels continue to drop.
Last week, the Western Cape Water Supply System recorded a decrease from 70,22% to 68,60%.
The supply system includes six major dams: Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Berg River, Wemmershoek, and the Upper and Lower Steenbras dams.
Theewaterskloof, which is the biggest of them all, is sitting at 68,68%, which is almost the same as it was at this time last year. Looking at the broader picture, the Western Cape State of Dam report tracks 44 dams, showing an overall level of 64,06%.
According to Wisane Mavasa, spokesperson for the national water and sanitation department, that’s a slight improvement from 62,90% at the same time last year. The Gouritz River catchment has the highest level at 73,74%, while the Olifants/Doorn River catchment is the lowest at 47,7%.
While it’s normal for water levels to dip seasonally, the department is stressing the importance of using water responsibly.
Western Cape provincial head, Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa highlighted this, saying,
“Every drop counts. Even a small decline is a reminder that we must use water wisely to ensure long-term sustainability.”
Mavasa says the department will continue monitoring the situation closely and will take the necessary steps to protect the province’s water resources.
They’re also encouraging residents, businesses, and industries to cut down on unnecessary water usage and adopt more water-saving habits.
