Staff Writer
THE average combined dam levels in the province is at 30 percent, compared to 57 percent the same time last year.
For this reason Department of Water and Sanitation director-general, Margaret-Ann Diedricks, has approved a 20 percent water restriction in the Berg Water Management Area, and some parts of Breede Water Management Area.
“The lower than normal rainfall caused by El Niño since last year continues to impact negatively on dam levels across South Africa. Due to this, the major dams supplying the Western Cape Water Supply System have been severely drawn down over the past year due to a combination of high demands and low inflow into the dams.
“It must be noted that water restrictions are by no means a measure to guarantee water supply, but are imposed to improve water storage in our dams for sustainable water security,” a statement from the department read.
Other short-, medium- and long-term measures have also been enforced to address and mitigate the water shortage.
These include diversifying water mix to include groundwater utilisation, rainwater harvesting, re-use of return flows and packaged desalination plants; and reducing operational risks through proper infrastructure operation and maintenance with associated skills development.
Recently, local farmers faced scorched and wilting crops as they continued to feel the brunt of dry weather, Agri Western Cape said.
On the West Coast, canola and wheat crops are scorching to death while most of the wheat planted has not germinated yet.
Lupins and oats planted in May are also dying, keeping livestock producers under pressure, according to Agri Western Cape.
Many cattle and sheep producers in this area have sold their entire herds.
In the Swartland, canola is wilting while there is a desperate need for water for wheat.