The South African water crisis is a very sensitive topic amongst those living in areas affected who have to endure extreme water restrictions. None so more than Capetonians who are affected the most by the looming water crisis. What was considered to be a localised situation affecting the Western Cape is now spreading to the Eastern Cape and other areas in our country.
Eastern Cape Water Crisis
Eastern Cape dam levels across the province have dropped drastically over the last year or so and are also at risk of running out of water by August, with adequate rainfall only predicted for October. Although no Day Zero has been discussed it is a serious possibility that the countdown can start soon if residents don’t start saving every drop.
Current Dam Levels
The current dam levels stand as follows as last updated on 19 February 2018. The Kouga dam is currently standing 10.37% while the Churchill Dam is on 18.8%. The Impofu dam is 41.73% full and the Groenedal Dam currently stands at 49.91% – all with a combined capacity of water at only 25.62%. In the case of the Algoa Water Supply System, which supplies water to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and surrounding areas, the dam is at an all-time low and is dropping weekly by nearly 0.8%.
Learn from the Western Cape
The Western Cape has become leaders in managing the severe drought and water shortages in the province. Implementing Cape Town water restrictions which are currently standing at Level 6 B, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has also urged its residents to reduce their water usage from 60L per person per day to 50L per person per day.
Be part of the water saving solution
If ever there was a time to take water saving to heart, it would be now. The drastically declining levels in our dams mean that water is precious and water saving is now a necessity. Start your water saving efforts by implementing water saving strategies in and around your home. Such strategies include installing Rainwater- and Greywater harvesting systems.