Despite some rain, the dam levels are still very low. Last year had the lowest rainfall ever recorded‚ and amidst scientific predictions, there is no guarantee there will be sufficient rain during the coming season. When browsing the news sites you will see headlines of drought-stricken areas, water restrictions, and devastation for agricultural farmers.
Stricter water restrictions loom for Cape Town https://t.co/DUZwytZfpV
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
SABC News - Two thirds of Durban could run out of water by end of 2017 https://t.co/Q3q7OE8In0
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
Dam levels rise slightly - drought still a reality | OFM https://t.co/AYUHMXtz9P
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
Cape Town threatens to ban watering of gardens https://t.co/wq6qcawVP5 via @News24
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
Algoa FM | Nelson Mandela Bay continues to feel the effects of drought https://t.co/0pCUkc3iOT
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
The drought isnt over: Farmers in urgent need of aid https://t.co/SX8h64ulHl via @Fin24
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
WARNING: Western Cape dam levels drop to below 40% https://t.co/xog6vH26Gn via @IOL
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
Drought-hit farmer loses court bid to stay afloat with pension savings - Times LIVE https://t.co/Jcqkhs6fPJ via @TimesLIVE
— Green Overall (@Green_Overall) January 24, 2017
The South African Weather Services has predicted below normal rainfall for the period from January to April 2017 across the whole of SA.
“This forecast is quite concerning with regards to the recovery of our dams. Unless there is a rapid and significant change to rainfall patterns there is still a long road to recovery and we face the possibility of a difficult winter,” Department of Water and Sanitation.
Water restrictions for both urban and rural use are still in place across the country, and if things continue this way it will most likely get worse, also, the recovery rate could take as long as 3 years. Despite some rainfall, most of the provinces and cities in South Africa are still below the 50% mark.
South Africans across the country are urged to adhere to water restrictions and to save water as far as possible.