The National Water and Sanitation Department says that Western Cape residents should use water sparingly to prevent potential water restrictions in the future.
In a recent meeting of the Western Cape Water Supply System Steering Committee, stakeholders deliberated on the region’s water needs for the upcoming hydrological year (1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024). The discussion included an analysis of past rainfall patterns, as well as the current capacity and availability of water storage.
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Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa, the department’s provincial head, indicated that there is an adequate water supply to meet the demands of the province. However, she stressed the necessity of implementing management principles to ensure a proper balance between water supply and demand.
Reflecting on the worst recorded drought between 2017 and 2018, the committee recommended not imposing water restrictions for the upcoming period. Instead, they encourage all water users to adopt water conservation and demand management practices.
Despite the current favourable dam levels resulting from increased rainfall and responsible water usage by residents, Bila-Mupariwa cautioned that water catchment remains vulnerable to various factors, including prolonged periods of hot and dry weather, decreased annual rainfall, water losses and irresponsible water usage.
The department also provided recommendations for residents to conserve water, such as promptly fixing leaks in both the environment and households, exploring alternative water sources like recycling, groundwater, and rain-harvesting, and refraining from vandalizing infrastructure, which can lead to uncontrolled water leaks.
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