Water Affairs: We're not out of the woods yet
The Department of Water and Sanitation says despite the recent rains across South Africa, and dam levels increasing significantly, we still need to save water.
Departmental spokesperson, Sputnik Ratau, told Jacaranda FM News that the national average of dam levels is currently standing at 54.2% but that it would have been ideal if the average was at a 100%.
"Even though the national average is up, compared to the same time last year, we must remember that we are heading into the dry months of winter," Ratau says.
He adds that they are concerned about the ongoing drought in some parts of the country, especially in the Western Cape.
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"When we look at our performance during the last few years, we would be satisfied if the national dam level average reaches around 75%," he says.
The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Edna Molewa, last week reiterated her department's call on consumers to continue to use water sparingly.
"Winter is coming up, making it even more critical to continue with our water saving efforts. We do receive less than world average rainfall ordinarily," Ratau says.
The national average for dam levels in all nine provinces stand at:
Eastern Cape: 58.3%
Free State: 55.9%
Gauteng: 86.4%
KwaZulu-Natal: 45.9%
Limpopo: 60.9%
Mpumalanga: 65.4%
Northern Cape: 90.6%
North West: 67.3%
Western Cape: 39.5%