Due to a lack of rain in the region, most parts of the Eastern Cape are experiencing low dam levels as well as continuously declining groundwater levels.
Currently, the average dam in the province is sitting at below 60%-a clear indication that the drought has set in.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is encouraging communities to continue using water wisely and to adhere to water restrictions that were imposed by municipalities.
Both the Algoa and Amatola systems are struggling to increase their dam levels with major dams in the Algoa Water Supply such as Kouga are sitting at 7.90%. In this week’s report the Algoa System is sitting at 25.6%.
The Amatola System is doing better, with six dams serving the Buffalo City Metro is standing at 79.2% this week.
The sweltering heat is causing Xilinxa Dam, sitting at 5.6% this week, to decline daily. Gcuwa dam is at 35.4%, whereas Mthatha Dam and Tsomo dam in the Chris Hani District area are remain stable at 100%.
The Department is calling on all water users to practice water saving measures and to reduce their daily water needs, thereby stretching the declining amounts of stored water, so that it lasts longer.
Communities are requested to use the Department’s toll-free call-centre on 0800 200 200 to report any water issues.
