Dams remain low
Simon Pamphilon The Grocott’s Mail’s rainwatching team reports close to 15mm in and around Grahamstown for the past week, but this doesn’t necessarily translate to a better water supply, and the levels reported this week at Settlers and Howieson’s Poort dams remain 18%. The actual level at Settlers can’t be measured, however, because it’s too low for the existing meter and some estimates put it at 15% or lower.
In their weekly update on dam levels, the Department of Water and Sanitation says the Eastern Cape has not experienced any significant rainfall for weeks and average dam levels of the Eastern Cape are at 55.0% compared to 64.1% this time last year.
The Algoa and Amathole supply systems are close to empty, the DWS said on Tuesday.
Algoa, serving Nelson Mandela Bay, was at 31.2% compared to 71.6% this time last year.
Amathole, serving Buffalo City Metro this week was at 60%, compared to 79.5% in October last year.
In the Chris Hani District, Oxkraal is at 27.8% this week, Ncora 79.5%, Tsojana at 90.1% and Gubu at 89.3%. Photo: Xilinxa Dam in Butterworth is at 0.2%, this week.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation will continue to monitor dam levels and implement its efforts to ensure sustainable water security around the province.
Drought is still hitting the province. The department also encourage municipalities to provide water tanks as an intervention where there is no water,” the Department said.
“Furthermore, residents are encouraged to adhere to water restrictions imposed by their respective municipalities and save water.”