State of dam levels

OPERATION of the Western Cape Water Supply System – curtailment update.

Members of the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) met in Bellville on January 31 to share the latest information regarding the highlevel, water stress situation.

Major water users reported on the measures they had implemented to comply with imposed restrictions, and to decide whether further interventions could be implemented

The WCWSS consists of six major dams supplying the Cape Town Metro and surrounding municipalities. According to the report of January 30, the combined average of the area’s dam levels was 39.2%.

While there has been a 1.5% drop in levels, week on week, historical records show that despite it being the longest period of below-average levels in decades, there is still an adequate supply until the next winter, rainy, season, provided we use less water. The fact that the dams may not fill up means we may start the next season with lower dam levels.

“Using less water is the right thing to do, meaning that all sectors must take responsibility to measure their use and bring water wasters to book,” says Rashid Khan, the regional head of the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in the Western Cape.

The national government intervened when it imposed water restrictions of 20% from June 1, 2016, to curb excessive use.

Accordingly, many municipalities imposed local restrictions. Reports tabled during the meeting suggest that municipalities and the agriculture sector are striving towards achieving the 20% savings.

The following decisions were taken at the meeting:

Rainfall patterns are less reliable than in the past, and the development of alternative water sources, including recycling, use of ground water and desalination of sea water has to be re-evaluated in light of new technology and lower-cost alternatives.

Municipal water has to be used for essential services only.

On-site storm water management means collective storm water will allow for the additional storage of rainwater.

The use of municipal drinking water in garden activities should be stopped and in its place, recycled water should be used.

Water restrictions will remain until the dams fill up to 85% of their capacity.