What next for Western Cape water?

Abstract

Water storage in the Cape’s five major dams had reached an all-time low of 26,3% by 11 April, when a massive storm in the preceding 24-hour period dumped 127 mm of rainfall in the catchment area of the largest dam, Theewaterskloof. The storm heralded the start of good winter rains, and by 20 June overall dam storage had recovered to 50,3% – a fairly typical level for this time of year. The water restrictions remain in force for now, but at least gardens are green again. The restrictions aim to ensure not only that there will be plenty of water in storage to see the city through summer, but also that the goal of a 20% reduction in water demand in the year to September has been achieved. By the end of June, only about 65% of the desired 66 million kilolitres of water had been saved. When the water restrictions were introduced last September, water and sanitation tariffs were also raised, partly to recover the anticipated loss in revenue due to reduced water sales, but also to promote water conservation by the public.

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