Much-needed rainfall in the drought-stricken Karoo region has resulted in some rivers flowing for the first time in four years; however, the drought persists and water conservation efforts remain critical.
In a statement issued on Monday, Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister Anton Bredell said the Touws river, for example, flowed for the first time in four years, while water filtered into the Gamka dam in Beaufort-West, also for the first time in years.
“Some areas in the region received more water than others, but the rainfall was rarely more than 10 mm in places. The reality is that the drought remains in full effect and we continue to plan and manage accordingly,” he noted.
Communities in the Karoo need to continue to reduce their water use, report and fix leaks as quickly as possible, with decisive action against water wasters and high water users needed, along with the continued monitoring of water restrictions.
The average dam level in the Western Cape is currently 46.6%, up from 23.6% in the comparative period last year.
Dams that supply the City of Cape Town with water have an average level of 58.3%, while the average water level of the Theewaterskloof dam is currently at 45.2%, the Voëlvlei dam 73.2%, the Berg River dam 81% and the Clanwilliam dam 50.6%.