Cape Town continues to save water despite rising dam levels
9 July 2019
The average dam level in the Western Cape has increased by more than 6% the past week, say authorities. In the City of Cape Town, dams continue to see good recovery and are now on average 59.6% full (2018: 53%).
Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister, Anton Bredell, says water continues to flow to dams around the province from various catchment areas following recent rainfall.
“We’re very happy to see the levels starting to increase dramatically. In the past week the Berg River Dam has seen an increase of more than 10% and the Clanwilliam dam level has increased by more than 15%. The Theewaterskloof Dam – the biggest in the Western Cape – increased by 5.5% and is now more than 50% full. Last year at this stage it was still at 38%. Overall we expect dam levels will continue to increase in the coming weeks,” Bredell said.
Cape Town’s collective water consumption decreased by 15 million litres per day the past week, to 555 million litres per day.
This is an encouraging response to the City urging continued restraint, despite recent rains, says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste Services, Xanthea Limberg.
Although the metro dam levels are slowly increasing, we are still in a period of recovery.
Bredell has urged the public to continue to use water sparingly despite the improved dam levels and good rainfall.
Major Dam statistics
- Voëlvlei dam – 65.1% full this week (2018: 52.2%. Last week: 59.4%)
- Bergriver Dam 89.2% full this week (2018: 82.7%. Last week: 78.2%).
- Theewaterskloof dam – 50% full this week (2018: 38.5%. Last week: 44.5%)
- Clanwilliam Dam 34.2%. (2018: 98.2%. Last week: 18.9%)
Despite the recovering dam levels, water restrictions remain in place.
Visit www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater for all water-related information and Frequently Asked Questions.
