The City of Cape Town (COCT) says the total capacity of dams supplying the Cape Town metro has decreased by 0,7% in the last week, from 100,5% in the previous week to 99,8%.
According to a statement by the COCT, daily water consumption for the same period decreased to 750 million litres per day, compared to 756 million litres the week before and at the same time last year, dam levels were at 99,1%.
Dams supplying Cape Town have for the second year running crested the 100% mark – this year sooner than in 2020, when dams hit full capacity in October. Prior to that, dams were last full in 2014.
“Some residents have asked how the City calculates a capacity of more than 100%, and what happens with the excess water once dams have reached their full capacity. In terms of the excess percentages, the water depth flowing over the spillways translates to a volume of water temporarily stored behind the dam wall. A percentage exceeding 100% indicates that the dam is overflowing,” the statement read.
Also read: Water tariffs will not be lowered despite Cape Town dam levels at 101%
The statement also indicated that even though healthy dam levels are certainly something to be thankful for, there is also no room for complacency when it comes to water security, and reducing reliance on the surface (rainfall) water as Cape Town is located in a water-scarce region.
“The City is enhancing its management of the existing water supply, and it accepts the responsibility that it needs to step beyond its municipal mandate in terms of bulk water supply provision, as we did during the recent drought. In the face of rising temperatures globally, and erratic rainfall patterns, the City is now pushing ahead with its New Water Programme, and realising the objectives and commitments laid out in the Water Strategy of building resilience and water security for this generation and future generations, come rain or shine,” the statement adds.
Meanwhile, residents of Khayelitsha took to the streets on Tuesday, September 28, regarding their living conditions and the service delivery issues they have with the COCT. According to residents, the COCT has not been providing them with any basic services, Power reports.
Residents are blocking the roads in Site B, Khayelitsha, in the wake of the rampant sewage spills, and are claiming that the @CityofCT has been neglecting their cries. @POWER987News pic.twitter.com/AIqoANCZRK
— Sisonke Mlamla (@SISONKE_MD) September 28, 2021
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Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery