·

Cape Town dam levels increase by 9.2 percent after back-to-back cold fronts, South Africa

cape-town-dam-levels-increase-by-9-2-percent-after-back-to-back-cold-fronts-south-africa

Heavy rains brought by back-to-back cold fronts over the past few days have resulted in a 9.2 percent increase of dam levels in Cape Town, South Africa, in just one week– according to the reading released by city officials for July 13, 2020. 

"The dams in and around Cape Town form part of the Western Cape Water Supply System, which is an integrated and collectively managed system of dams, pump stations, pipelines, and tunnels. In addition to servicing Cape Town, the system supplies water to towns in the Overberg, Boland, West Coast, and Swartland areas, and provides irrigation water for agriculture," the City of Cape Town said.

The fullest levels were Steenbras Upper at 101.3 percent and Berg River at 93.8. According to the officials, dam levels have risen by 9.2 percent this past week. The dams have now reached 72.7 percent capacity.

At the same time in 2017, dams were at 25.7 percent when the water crisis hit its peak.

cape-town-dam-july-13-2020

Image credit: City of Cape Town

The South African Weather Service issued multiple warnings of wet conditions and gale force winds last week, with the Western Cape coastlines seeing massive swells. It also produced foams in Sea Point on Cape Town's Atlantic seaboard on Monday.

After a wet start to the week, Cape Town residents can expect mild, sunny, and clear weather from Wednesday, July 15.

YouTube video

Featured image: Berg River Dam in September 2018. Credit: City of Cape Town

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *