Cape Town dam levels ‘near 100%’ after bumper rainfall
We’ve come a long way from day zero: The Cape Town dam levels are now within touching distance of the ‘full capacity’ mark, after smashing through the 90% barrier this week. And, what is more, the rainy weather isn’t going anywhere yet.
WILL THE CAPE TOWN DAM LEVELS FILL-UP?
Several weather warnings remain in place for the days ahead. Downpours and colder temperatures are likely to help the Cape Town dam levels continue their impressive spell, as South Africa heads into Spring.
As of Monday 31 August, the Cape Town dam levels are now 90.7% full – up nearly 3% in the past seven days. Theewaterskloof is now 88% full, and none of the six major dams are standing at less than 85% of capacity. This is a
monumental achievement, given the drought woes that have blighted the south-west in the past few years.
CAPE TOWN DAM LEVELS FOR MONDAY 31 AUGUST
| Major dams | 31/8/2020 | Previous week | % 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 100.8 | 100.4 | 99.4 |
| Steenbras Lower | 98.8 | 95.3 | 102.2 |
| Steenbras Upper | 99.0 | 98.9 | 92.8 |
| Theewaterskloof | 87.9 | 85.1 | 72.2 |
| Voëlvlei | 88.9 | 84.5 | 87.7 |
| Wemmershoek | 86.9 | 84.1 | 89.0 |
| Total Stored Ml | 814 344 | 790 658 | 735 462 |
| % Storage | 90.7 | 88.0 | 81.9 |
THEEWATERSKLOOF SURGES FORWARD
It’s also worth noting that Theewaterskloof dam is now recording its highest water levels since 2014. Anton Bredell is the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape – he reiterated the point that water must be consumed responsibly, despite these bountiful times.
“Groundwater levels across the province will also have been replenished somewhat by the ongoing rains we have seen. The snowfall across the provincial mountains will be sure to increase levels further over the weeks to come. We continue to repeat the message to consumers – they must continue to use water responsibly and sparingly.”
“The very cold weather is set to continue and the public is urged to take note of the continued warnings. Disaster responders remain on standby and are responding where emergencies are being reported. The emergency number is 112.”
Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development in the Western Cape
Original paper: https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/cape-town-dam-levels-increase-monday-31-august-100-full/