Tougher water restrictions are looming for Western Cape residents after the City and the Department of Water and Sanitation warned that dams remain alarmingly below 20% across the province.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial disaster management team remains on high alert.
“According to the latest data available, most major dams in the province including the Voëlvlei dam (14.7% full), the Theewaterskloof dam (13.4% full) and the Clanwilliam Dam (6%) are struggling.
“We are already seeing boreholes being dug in afflicted areas currently at most risk, and the entire province was declared a disaster area only a few days ago,” said Bredell.
He cautioned the public to continue to use water sparingly when it does start to rain, as forecast, over the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, the City warned that tougher restrictions would be implemented later this week.
Informal Settlements, Water and Waste Services; and Energy, Mayco member Xanthea Limberg said several small- to medium-scale pilot projects are under development to supplement the drinking water supply. She said water remained safe to drink.
Those contravening the water restrictions can be reported to the City via email at [email protected] or SMS to 31373.