WESTERN CAPE — Authorities in the Western Cape are urging residents and municipalities to prioritize water conservation and continue using water sparingly, even as Western Cape dam levels show steady improvement over recent weeks. This call for ongoing vigilance comes despite combined provincial dam levels currently resting at a reassuring 79 percent.
The significant rainfall brought by severe storms in early May contributed heavily to this current water security. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest reservoir in the Cape Town water supply system, currently stands at 78.43 percent capacity, marking an increase from 77.78 percent the previous week. Additionally, the Steenbras Upper Dam is operating at over 100 percent capacity, and the Department of Water and Sanitation has noted continued improvements in storage levels across various major catchment areas in the province.
Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, Head of Department for Western Cape Water and Sanitation, highlighted the significance of these figures. She noted that the Theewaterskloof Dam’s 78 percent capacity is a positive indicator, while the Clanwilliam Dam in the Olifants River system on the west coast is currently sitting at 95.5 percent, a substantial increase from 48 percent during the same period last year.
“We are very excited because those are the dams that always guide us in terms of whether we are going to make it to the next hydrological cycle,” Bila-Mupariwa stated.
The provincial department continues to work closely with local municipalities to minimize water wastage, a critical effort for the region’s agricultural sector. Jannie Strydom, CEO of Agri Western Cape, emphasized that sustained dam levels provide comfort to farmers who depend on this infrastructure. He pointed out that the Western Cape is a substantial exporter of fresh produce, with approximately 58 percent of all primary agricultural produce exported through the province.
Because these commodities are intensively dependent on irrigation, provincial dam levels remain critical. While the heavy May rains caused severe infrastructure damage, Strydom noted the positive spin-off is that dam levels are now close to, or even slightly above, last year’s levels.
Despite the current improvements, the province has received lower-than-usual rainfall so far this winter, and forecasts predict a very hot, dry summer in 2027. Anton Bredell, Western Cape Local Government MEC, expressed concern over these long-term predictions.
“Even though our dams are still filling up, we urge residents and local authorities to never stop saving water,” Bredell said. He stressed that local governments must collaborate to ensure water infrastructure is well-maintained and leaks are kept to a minimum. Furthermore, hot summer weather will increase the risk of wildfires, prompting the provincial disaster risk management center to coordinate with all stakeholders to plan and prepare for the upcoming season.
Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to use water responsibly at all times. A reliable supply of fresh water remains critical for all households, and mindful water conservation efforts can also yield secondary benefits, such as reduced energy consumption.
