Dam levels in most parts of the Eastern Cape have shown a significant improvement in water levels following recent rains, according to the Department of Water and Sanitation’s weekly report, updated on Tuesday 21 November. However, they warn that the drought is not over and dam levels remain a concern, particularly during summer.
For Grahamstown the news is also fairly positive, with Howieson’s Poort Dam now full and overflowing into the town’s main western reservoir, Settlers.
An update on Thursday 23 November from Makana Municipality confirmed that Howieson’s Poort is at 100% and Settlers at 16.5%.
According to a report on the Grahamstown Residents Association’s Facebook page, following a site visit earlier this week, Settlers has recovered by around one metre since its last low point last month estimated at 15%.
Overall, Eastern Cape dams show an increase of 3% from 58.5% last week to 61.5% this week, DWS says. Sandile Dam in Keiskammahoek increased to 74.6% from 64.8% last week. Elandsdrift Dam near Cradock increased to 78.1% from 54.4%. Bridledrift Dam next to East London improved from 53.8% to 75.6%.
The Algoa Water Supply System which includes Kouga Dam, Loerie Dam, Groendal Dam, Impofu Dam.has increased by 1% from 28.6% last week to 29.6%. The Klipplaat Water Supply System which comprises Boesmanskrantz Dam and Oxkraal Dam has also improved to 63.4% from 55.4%.
The Amathole Water Supply System comprising Laing Dam, Nahoon Dam, Bridle Drift Dam, Wriggleswade Dam, Rooikrantz Dam and Gubu Dam is at 79.4% compared to 67.5% last week.
The Department of Water and Sanitation said, however, that the increase in dam levels did not mean the crisis was over.
“In spite of this improvement, the dam levels remain a concern to the department especially now that we are in the summer season. We urge everyone to continue saving water because the drought is not yet over,” the Department said.
