Update on Western Cape water situation

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) wishes to inform citizens about the latest water situation in the Western Cape. Ms Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, the Western Cape Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation, says despite the showers in and around Cape Town last week, these did not produce significant inflows to dams.

A hydrological report of today 11 April indicates a slight decrease in some dam levels across the Western Cape Province. The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), comprised of the six largest dams in the Western Cape, currently stands at 69,79% as compared to 70,57% last week.

The Gouritz River Catchment, which covers the Central Karoo, Little Karoo, and the coastal belt, is hovering over 55%, an improvement over 25,85% at the same time last year.

Bila-Mupariwa further states that on individual dams Bulshoek, Keerom and Miertjieskraal Dams saw a decline of more than 5% respectively. “DWS continues to encourage all water users to use water sparingly” says Bila-Mupariwa

Meanwhile, DWS Western Cape would like to thank all stakeholders who supported the department during the National Water Week Campaign last month. DWS will continue to promote efficient water resource management.

“Water is Life, Sanitation is Dignity”

Issued by the Department of Water & Sanitation

For more information, contact Sputnik Ratau, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 082 874 2942

For media releases, speeches and news visit the Water & Sanitation portal at: www.dws.gov.za

Source: Government of South Africa