The Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) National Spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, says today’s hydrological report demonstrates that dams in the Western Cape have improved as a consequence of recent heavy rains.
However, the Gouritz River Catchment, which includes large parts of the Karoo remains a a concern, with average dam levels below 30% for the last three years.
Ratau further states that DWS commends municipaities such as Outdshoorn for instituting water restrictions to curb excessive water use, thus availing services for longer. Only two dams across the Western Cape saw an increase of over 5%, and these are Keerom and and Miertjeskraal Dams.
A significant increase is evident in the overflowing of Theewaterskloof, the largest dam in Western Cape, it being at 102,3%, a notable increase as compared to the 73,02% at the same time last year. According to Ratau, “there is still snow in some mountains and we are hoping that the runoff from the snow will further recharge the dams”.
Read: Cape Town dam levels increase to 97,5 percentage
Meanwhile, DWS expresses its appreciation to everyone who participated in its recent Western Cape webinars on Water Use Licence Applications. Concerns and suggestions discussed during webinars have been noted by the department.
Ratau says DWS is committed to improving efficiency in granting water use licenses, and ensuring the department discharges its responsibility of encouraging all socio-economic development.
“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”
