Cape Town dam levels increase to 84,0%

The Theewaterskloof Dam at 70.8% full. Overall Cape Town dam levels are at 72,7%.  Dams supplying the Cape Metro increased by 9,2% over the past week (6 July 12 July 2020) to 72,7% of total capacity. Consumption for the same period decreased by 27 million litres per day to 649 million litres per day. In the week before this, water consumption stood at 676 million litres per day. Picture: Henk Kruger/African News Agency
The total capacity of dams supplying the Cape Metro has increased to 84,0%, up from 80,4% the previous week.

Consumption for the same period decreased by 1 million litres per day to an average of 642 million litres per day. At the same time last year, dam levels were at 81,4%.  

Mayoral committee member for water and waste, Xanthea Limberg, said: “The City is relieved at the further recovery of dams, but would urge residents to be cautious in calling for water restrictions to be completely lifted. Future rainfall is still uncertain and new water sources are still in development. “

A decision on restriction levels for the 2020/21 hydrological year will be taken upon review of the rainy season, which concludes at the end of August. 

Ms Limberg added tariffs for the new financial year, starting Wednesday July 1, will be set only to recoup the expected costs of operations and will be significantly determined by anticipated volumes of water consumed by residents and businesses.