Dam levels recovery slowdown

DAM recovery over the past few weeks has slowed down significantly, in contrast with the rapid rise in dam levels experienced in previous months.

The City says this trend shows that rainfall is difficult to predict and that Cape Town should carry on with its “amazing water-saving efforts” to build a buffer for the summer months ahead.

“It is also imperative that adequate levels of water restrictions, and the associated tariffs, remain in place. Although our situation is much improved, we cannot be careless and short-sighted. We need to ensure that we give our dams a chance to recover as much as possible,” said deputy mayor Ian Neilson.

“If water restrictions are lowered to appropriate levels by the National Department of Water and Sanitation, the City will then lower the associated water tariffs.

Restriction levels are linked to dam levels, and restriction tariffs are linked to the volume of water used by the City.

“This means that, if the restriction level is reduced, individual water use is expected to increase as the tariff decreases, ensuring the City receives the same total income required to maintain and repair infrastructure.

“The slowdown in the rise of our dam levels will therefore affect any decision to adjust the restriction levels,” concluded Neilson. – Staff Reporter