It’s Christmas time and people are looking forward to their well-deserved holiday.
The Overberg is a favourite destination for many, and after the drought in 2017-’18, the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, and load shedding, we all need to unwind at our favourite destination.
However, there is a dark cloud hanging over the year’s festive season, and that is dam levels. Water consumption is expected to increase, and after the below-average rainy season authorities have called for responsible water use.
According to a spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation, Wisane Mavasa, the dam levels forming part of the Western Cape Water Supply System consist of the six largest dams, which are currently at 73,64%, a notable decline compared to 98,08% in this period last year. “This is a better yield than the 2017-’18 period, when the system had a yield below 50%, which sent many water users into a panic,” she said.
At an annual meeting with water users of the Western Cape Town Water Supply System held last week at the Theewaterkloof Dam, the department took a decision not to impose water restrictions for the current hydrological cycle. “However, the department urges all to implement water conservation methods and water-demand management principles to bring their water demand down with at least 10%,” she said. “All bulk-water users, including industry, and agriculture, should take heed of the call to save water.”
According to the Municipal Manager of the Overstrand Municipality, Dean O’Neill, dam levels in Pearly Beach are worrisome, as levels continue to drop. He said: “The two dams (Koekemoer and Pearly Beach), the main water sources for Pearly Beach, are currently combined at only 64% of capacity. The treatment process requires water from both sources to be effective, and the Pearly Beach Dam is currently at 32% and the Koekemoer Dam 96%. Should residents and visitors alike not ‘turn off the taps’, so to speak, strict water saving strategies may have to be implemented.”
In November, the Cape Agulhas Municipality imposed water restrictions in their municipal area due to low rainfall and dam levels, worsened by extended periods of load shedding.
The following water restrictions in Cape Agulhas are applicable: Phase 3 for households and phase 3 for all other consumers (non-residential or not otherwise specified) is retained. The water restrictions are 20kFper household and 50kF per business per month. Any household or business exceeding the restriction will be liable to pay the approved higher tariffs applicable to their usage. Water usage above 20kF per household will result in a 30% surcharge on the applicable tariff and water usage above 50kF per business will result in a 20% surcharge on the applicable tariff per month.
