The Department of Water and Sanitation has expressed hope that the heavy down pouring of rain on Sunday night into Monday morning will turn around the dam levels and recharge the ground water levels of the Western Cape.

According to the latest dam levels report released today 20 April, the Western Cape dams are in a better state as compared to same time last year. The Western Cape Water Supply System which comprises 6 largest dams is currently at 45.44 % as compared to 20, 65% at the same time last year.

The Gamka Dam located in the Karoo, has shown a remarkable recovery. It now stands at 43, 63% as compared to less than 10% a year ago.

Other dam levels across the province are as follows:

· Garden Route Dam: 82.94%

· Kwaggaskloof Dam: 20.37%

· Bulshoek Dam: 72.47%

The Weather Office measured more than 80mm of rain in Kirstenbosch, about 40mm in Strand area, and almost 30mm near Cape Town International Airport.

The Department’s Sputnik Ratau says with most of this rain expected to flow into the catchment areas, we can expect a bump in dam levels at the next measuring.

But as always, residents have been encouraged to save as much as possible.