Dam levels rise after rain

Welcome spring rain across large parts of the Western Cape has seen dam levels tick upwards with dams like the Theewaterskloof Dam seeing its level increase by 4% over the past week.

Across the province the latest average dam level for the Western Cape is currently 65.8% (2018: 65%). Major dams supplying the City of Cape Town with water, see their levels stand at an average of 82.8%. There has not been any relief to the central interior region of the province with large parts of the Karoo still in distress.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, has welcomed the decision taken by the Western Cape cabinet to make available an additional R50m in emergency drought relief to farmers in drought-stricken areas of the province.

“These funds will be allocated specifically to provide fodder support for farmers in the drought-stricken Central Karoo District, Matzikamma and Little Karoo areas. In addition the provincial government has also asked the national agriculture department for another R147m for further drought support.”

A technical drought assessment by the Provincial Department of Agriculture classified the northern part of the West Coast District, entire Central Karoo, and parts of the Eden, Cape Winelands and Overberg as extremely critical.

“This situation remains a concern as we are aware of the huge stress it also places on farming communities and farmworkers.”

Major Dam statistics

Voëlvlei dam – 87.6% full this week (2018: 96.1%. Last week: 87%)

Bergriver Dam 101% full this week (2018: 99%. Last week: 97%).

Theewaterskloof dam – 73.4% full this week (2018: 57.5%. Last week: 69.2%)

Clanwilliam Dam 90.2%. (2018: 97.7%. Last week: 93.3%) – (Media Release)