There has been a prolonged and lower-than-normal rainfall since the beginning of the year which has caused water stressed conditions in some areas across the Western Cape Province. According to the South African Weather Bureau, the dry weather will most likely persist through the remainder of this year until the next rainy season.

South Africa is a water scarce country with highly variable rainfall and water runoff. Most of our water is obtained from rainfall therefore we are susceptible to sustained water stressed situations caused by prolonged periods of below average rainfall within a season.

The West Coast and the western parts of the Breede River System of this province are “moderately” to “extremely” dry. The remainder of the province has received normal to above normal rainfall over the same period.

In most towns and the City of Cape Town we are however fortunate to have water security as rainfall was captured in our dams. Some municipalities have also developed other sources of water supply to augment their limited supply.

The City, Stellenbosch, Drakenstein and some municipalities in the West Coast are supplied by multiple dams managed by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). This area is referred to as the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS).

The department is continually monitoring the prevailing situation of the water security. At present the WCWSS shows a weighted storage and supply of 72% of full supply which is considered sufficient to cater for the envisaged short term water demand.

Despite the much lower than normal rainfall, the groundwater levels in the West Coast and Cape Flats are relatively stable. As a precautionary measure the department recommends that all municipalities using groundwater appoint a specialist to provide groundwater management.

The department wishes to reassure all water users that it as a national government department is working closely with provincial government, municipalities and other specialists to ensure sustainable water security across the province.

Jointly we are implementing short, medium and long term measures to address and mitigate the potential negative impacts of this restricted bulk water supply. These measures, amongst others, include:

diversifying our water mix to include groundwater utilisation, rainwater harvesting, re-use of return flows and packaged desalination plants;

reducing operational risks through proper infrastructure operation and maintenance with associated skills development;

implementing water conservation and demand management programmes which include the War on Leaks and Drop the Block interventions;

Residents within urban areas of the City and towns are encouraged to rather use groundwater for garden irrigation. Caution however needs to be exercised not to use groundwater for drinking purposes within an uncontrolled urban setting.

The department calls on all users to make lifestyle changes to reduce water consumption and stretch the water drop.

The department encourages the localised water conservation and demand management within local government rather than any imposition from other authorities towards saving water and using it with higher levels of water use efficiency.

Enquiry:

Sputnik Ratau

Cell: 082 874 2942

Malusi Rayi

Cell: 083 320 1249

SOURCE: SOUTH AFRICAN OFFICAL NEWS