Water Crisis: Cape Town dam le

Theewaterskloof Dam/Jon Kerrin Photography

Water Crisis: Cape Town dam levels are now at only 12,3%

Things are only getting worse…

Water Crisis: Cape Town dam le

Theewaterskloof Dam/Jon Kerrin Photography

We’ve reported on the worsening water crisis in the Western Cape solidly over the last few months, citizens have watched the dam levels continuously decline, all while Gauteng dams were at 100% and even having to open some sluice gates. Cape Town levels have now reached a point so low that the city is left with only 12,3% of usable dam water.

The City released another statement on the issue, asking residents to continue their water saving attempts.

“Dam levels are now at 22,8% (storage levels), which is 0,6% down from a week ago. With the last 10% of a dam’s water mostly not being useable, dam levels are effectively at 12,3%. The latest consumption is 680 million litres, which is 80 million litres over the new consumption target of 600 million litres.”

Many in the Cape rejoiced last week as rains poured down from the sky in short bursts,  while it may have looked good, it clearly was nowhere close to enough. The City have also asked residents to not use more water every time the temperature increases or it starts raining.

“Our relationship with water therefore must start to change – this relationship is something that we can control. Our water-saving efforts cannot be influenced by whether it is hot or cold. We need to save water irrespective of the weather,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Councillor Xanthea Limberg.”

The statement revealed that the city is finalising proposals for “further intensified” water restrictions. It also revealed that they are working on “extensive pressure reduction programmes to reduce the flow of water”.

“Consumers should not be alarmed if they experience very low pressure or if the supply in their area drops away as it will only be temporary until the balance is achieved.”