While a number of municipalities in the Western Cape had to resort to stringent water restrictions in an effort to save water, the situation in the Langeberg is not yet as critical.
The levels of dams supplying Robertson with drinking water are satisfactory, with the Dassieshoek dam currently at 85% and the Koos Kok dam at 100% full.
McGregor’s main water source, the Drinkwater dam is 100% full with the Vaal dam also 100% full and the Rooi Dam standing at 94%.
Although no water restrictions are currently in place for Langeberg residents, water users are still urged to use water sparingly.
The Western Cape government last week voiced its concern about dam levels in the province, with levels, on average, 55% lower compared to the same period last year.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning painted a sombre situation at a press conference where he announced the latest dam levels.
Bredell voiced his concern about the coming festive season, when more veld fires occur, and consumers are more prone to wasting water.
Five municipalities in the province have been declared disaster areas owing to the ongoing drought.
Locally, Bonnievale and Montagu will be the first to be affected by the low levels of dams that feed the Breede River. One of these, the Brandvlei Dam is currently 55% full. The situation locally, however, is not yet critical, says Louis Bruwer, chief executive of the Central Breede River Water User Association.
As a preventative measure the association has already cut down on irrigation water supply by 10%. Despite a big fruit harvest in the area, agriculture and local factories should not be affected too negatively, says Bruwer. “Producers manage their water supply by selective usage of their quotas,” he adds.
Bonnievale and Montagu is not expected to run into trouble with regard to drinking water, according to Bruwer. “The area didn’t use its full quota during the previous season, so we do not expect any problems for this season,” he said. “Water users are, however, urged to use water sparingly. “If we do not get an early winter this year, we may very well run into trouble next year.”
