Garden Route Water Supply Strain: Dam Levels Drop in Western Cape
The Western Cape government reports a strained water supply in the Garden Route area. Residents in the Gouritz River catchment, Little Karoo, Central Karoo, and coastal zones face the issue. Knysna Municipality is hit hardest. Dam levels stand at just over 51% in the region and 29% in Knysna’s main dam. Provincial levels are at 49%, down from over 65% last year. This Garden Route water supply strain raises concerns amid the broader Western Cape water crisis.
Dam levels in the Gouritz River catchment area are at just over 51%. This includes the Little Karoo, Central Karoo, and coastal areas. The Western Cape government confirmed these figures.
Knysna’s Akkerkloof Dam is at around 29%. Provincial Water and Sanitation head Ntombizanele Bila-Mupariwa shared this data.
Western Cape dams overall sit at 49%. This marks a drop from over 65% at this time last year, per government reports.
Here is a quick comparison of dam levels:
| Area | Current Level | Last Year Level |
|---|---|---|
| Gouritz River catchment | Over 51% | Not specified |
| Knysna (Akkerkloof Dam) | 29% | Not specified |
| Western Cape overall | 49% | Over 65% |
The Western Cape has faced water concerns for some time. Officials link this to ongoing trends in the province.
An related report notes Premier Winde urging infrastructure investment as dam levels plunge. It highlights the Western Cape water crisis.
Government sources provide this context. No dramatic shortages have occurred yet.
Officials express concern but not panic over the Garden Route water supply. Knysna remains the hardest hit area.
Stability efforts involve all levels of government. Bila-Mupariwa stated: “All spheres of government are holding hands; the Department of Water and Sanitation is supporting the municipality in terms of groundwater to augment the current water security.”
These are official views on managing the strain.
Work is underway to stabilize Knysna’s supply. No “Day Zero” is expected, per officials.
Key actions include:
- Installing boreholes
- Pumping water from other sources to support the Akkerkloof Dam
- Appointing a water specialist to aid the municipality
Bila-Mupariwa confirmed these steps. They aim to boost water security soon.