Theewaterskloof dam, July 2019 – Photo: One Stop Wanderlust / Twitter
Theewaterskloof dam, July 2019 – Photo: One Stop Wanderlust / Twitter
The hectic rainfall that lashed the Western Cape last week has had a lasting effect on the Cape Town dam levels. As we reported on Thursday a 6% rise in a matter of hours took the facilities past the 70% mark. Theewaterskloof dam may have just stolen the show this week, though.
The facility, now at 61.7%, is the shining example of the Cape Town dam levels and their epic winter recovery. You’ll also be pleased to know that growth continued over the weekend, and the reserves servicing the Mother City are now 71.86% full.
Choosing the best improvement of the lot is a difficult, yet ultimately rewarding choice. The dams which keep the wider Western Cape province hydrated are now officially more than half-full, with a 7% weekly surge taking them to 56.6% full. In fact, dramatic increases seem to be the order of the day…
The major dam on the West Coast – Clanwilliam Dam – has seen levels rise by 24.3% to 71.6% in the past week. But it is the performance of the biggest dam in Cape Town that’s turning heads, here. Theewaterskloof enjoyed an epic 8.6% rise in its water levels over the past seven days – an improvement which is rarely seen in the Villiersdorp-based reservoir.
Western Cape and Cape Town dam levels for Monday 29 July
- Voëlvlei dam – 74.4% full this week (2018: 58.8%. Last week: 69.1%)
- Berg River Dam – 100% full this week (2018: 86%. Last week: 92.7%).
- Theewaterskloof dam – 61.7% full this week (2018: 41.5%. Last week: 53.1%)
- Clanwilliam Dam – 71.6% full this week (2018: 98.4%. Last week: 47.3%)
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Anton Bredell is the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning for the Western Cape. He found plenty of reasons to be cheerful – given that yet another cold front will hit the Cape on Tuesday – but also brought his dependable brand of cautious optimism to the table:
“Four of the five major catchment areas now see dam levels in excess of 50% full. The ongoing problem area is the Gouritz River Catchment area which feeds a big part of the Karoo. We remain concerned regarding the drought challenge, particularly to the agriculture sector in this region.”
“We are expecting more rain, strong wind and very cold weather. The Cape winter has truly arrived. We urge the public to take care when travelling and when outdoors, exposed to the elements. The disaster management and emergency services units will be on hand in case of emergency.”
Anton Bredell
