Dam storage levels in the Western Cape rose sharply over the past week, but residents are still urged to use water wisely.

The provincial water storage level over the entire Western Cape increased from last week’s 42,18% to 44,27%, following early winter rainfall experienced in most parts of the province.

Rainfall over the period from the 17th to the 21st of April measured 91.2mm in Cape Town.

Cape Town’s dam levels rose from 44,51% to 47,16% this week. This time last year, the levels were hovering at around 60%.

Besides Upper Steenbras, the other five dams that make up the Cape Town system, including Theewaterskloof, rose by between one and two per cent. The Upper Steenbras went down by just below one per cent.

The Acting Provincial Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Simphiwe Mashicila, has welcomed the increase in dam levels, but warned that water should still be used cautiously.

“Any drop that we get is good news, but this does not call for celebration yet. The weather experts predict more rain showers next week, so we are optimistic that the situation can only get better as we approach winter.”

Light rain is forecast over the Mother City on Saturday, 2 May.

While Capetonians can breathe a sigh of relief, the Department is still very concerned about the water situation in Knysna.

Currently, Knysna’s major dam, Akkerkloof, is at 23%, but the four main reservoirs are at around 90% on average. Knysna’s water crisis is primarily driven by severely ageing, neglected infrastructure, with broken pumps and high water losses through leaks.