Cape Town’s Berg River dam is currently at over 100% capacity. Photo: Dan Meyer
Western Cape dam levels at 100% following heavy rainfall
Even though the adverse weather conditions in the Western Cape caused significant damage, dam levels have improved.
Cape Town’s Berg River dam is currently at over 100% capacity. Photo: Dan Meyer
The Department of Water and Sanitation has confirmed that Western Cape dam levels are sitting at 100% following heavy rainfall over the long weekend.
Adverse weather conditions including widespread flooding wreaked havoc in parts of the Western Cape due to a cut-off low pressure system.
WESTERN CAPE DAM LEVELS SITTING AT 100%
The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) comprising six dams (Theewaterskloof, Bergriver dam, Upper and Lower Steenbras, Voelvlei and Wemershoek dams) supplying water to the City of Cape Town and its surroundings – is reportedly sitting at 109.38%, a significant improvement compared to 85% same time last year.
On individual dams, Theewaterskloof, the biggest dam in the Western Cape, which accounts for 54% of the province’s water supply, is at 100% and spilling.
Other dam levels are standing as follows: Misverstand Dam 152.67%; Brandvlei Dam 80.91%; Ceres Dam 101.16%; Gamka Dam 102.49%; Clanwilliam Dam 101.38% and Miertjieskraal 111.71%.
The Olifants / Doorn River Catchment has reached the 100% mark, a very healthy water yield compared to 86.71% of last year.
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The Department of Water and Sanitation said it is pleasing to see that Gouritz River Catchment is hovering above 80%, as the system was below 50% at the same time last year.
“Some dams have sluice gates, while others do not have sluice gates. When the dams are full or overflowing, water is automatically released through spillways to control the flow downstream,” the department said.
RESIDENTS URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION
The department also acknowledged that the heavy rains and adverse weather conditions have led to significant damage of infrastructure and detrimentally affected lives and livelihoods, especially those in riverbanks and low-lying areas.
The department urged residents to be careful near water resources and facilities, including crossing low-lying bridges.
“The department is currently conducting assessments on the infrastructure and there are no immediate reports of extensive water infrastructure (gauging stations) being damaged or washed away,” the department said.
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