The Bulshoek Dam in the West Coast is the only dam that saw an  increase of over 5% while the Ernest Robertson Dam on the Gouritz River Catchment has decreased by more than 5%. This is according to the Western Cape Hydrological Report of today, 22 June 2021.

According to Sputnik Ratau, National Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) is relatively stable at 74.23% as compared to 74,81 at the same time last year.

The combined average level of the Breede Valley River Catchment which covers the areas of Witzenberg, Langeberg and others is currently at 58.81% a better yield as compared to  40.04%  last year.

“The Gouritz River Catchment in the Little Karoo and Central Karoo is  still below 25% which is a great concern for the DWS”, says Ratau. It will take significant rainfalls to fill the dams in this region.

Given the effects of climate change on rainfall patterns, DWS urges all water users  to make lifestyle changes to adapt to  the new norm. “Water users are reminded to use water sparingly”, says Ratau

“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”

 

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation in Western Cape