In the latest hydrological report released on May 22, 2023, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) shared an update on the water situation in the Western Cape Province.
Despite rain showers in some catchments over the past weekend, the inflows to the dam storages were not significant.
Currently, the Western Cape Water Supply System, comprising the province’s six largest dams, stands at 61.31%, showing a slight increase from last week’s 60.76%. However, this figure is 2% lower compared to the same period last year.
DWS Acting National Spokesperson, Andile Tshona, emphasized that May is traditionally one of the wettest months in the Western Cape. Nevertheless, the dams are gradually replenishing this year, calling for intensified water conservation initiatives.
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Notably, the Gouritz River Catchment, encompassing Little, Central Karoo, and the Coastal belt of the Southern Cape, currently stands at 53.38%, showing a better yield compared to 46.43% at the same time last year. This catchment includes the Eastern side, which holds prospects for summer rainfall.
While some dams, including Kammanassie, Koos Raubenheimer, and Roodefontein, experienced an increase of over 5%, Bulshoek Dam saw a decrease of more than 5%. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest dam in the province responsible for 45% of the Western Cape Water Supply System, is currently at 58.66%, marking a notable decline compared to last year’s 66.28%.
The Department of Water and Sanitation reminds all water users that South Africa remains a water-scarce country, emphasizing the need to double efforts to cultivate a culture of water conservation to ensure water security.
