Water Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/water/ Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:04:43 +0000 en-ZA hourly 1 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/cropped-gtg_favicon-32x32.png Water Archives - Good Things Guy https://www.goodthingsguy.com/tag/water/ 32 32 Givers, Water and Hope for Luvuyo Lerumo High and Greater Komani https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/givers-water-and-hope-for-luvuyo-lerumo-high-and-greater-komani/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/givers-water-and-hope-for-luvuyo-lerumo-high-and-greater-komani/#respond Mon, 03 Mar 2025 11:00:07 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=145214

The Gift of the Givers has helped the water supply stress Komani is facing with another borehole, as well as other efforts that are bringing a splash of hope to...

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The Gift of the Givers has helped the water supply stress Komani is facing with another borehole, as well as other efforts that are bringing a splash of hope to people during the ongoing dry spell:

 

Komani, South Africa (03 March 2025) — The Eastern Cape’s Komani has struggled with water supply issues for months, to the point where easily accessible clean water has become a pipe dream for most, again. However—true to their name— non-profit, humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers has shown up to alleviate the community’s strife by providing boreholes to the town.

The latest of three boreholes for Komani made possible by the Givers, the recent drilling took place at Luvuyo High School to bring hope to both students and the greater Komani community alike!

Komani’s people have had to make do with alternative water sources for many years due to multiple factors: dam levels unable to meet demands, government infrastructure being delayed drastically, and climate-related reasons. The latest dry spell has been ongoing since the end of last year.

With this context in mind, Gift of the Givers’ boreholes are not a bandaid to a much bigger problem. For many, these efforts are the very thing that will help them access one of the most basic necessities.

According to the Givers, their drilling teams were able to strike water at 36,000 litres per hour.

The school’s empty back-up tanks were also filled up by the team’s water tankers—a big chunk of relief as Luvuyo’s staff and students were unable to use ablution facilities, while the Nutritional Feeding Scheme was also impacted.


Sources: Gift of the Givers 
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Gift of the Givers Steps in to Help Komani With Water Crisis https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/gift-of-the-givers-steps-in-to-help-komani-with-water-crisis/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/gift-of-the-givers-steps-in-to-help-komani-with-water-crisis/#respond Fri, 24 Jan 2025 11:00:56 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=142092

Water in Bonkolo Dam is below abstraction level.   Komani, South Africa (24 January 2025) — People in Komani in the Eastern Cape have welcomed the help of Gift of...

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Water in Bonkolo Dam is below abstraction level.

 

Komani, South Africa (24 January 2025) — People in Komani in the Eastern Cape have welcomed the help of Gift of the Givers delivering water. The humanitarian aid organisation arrived on Tuesday with four water tankers and bottled water donated by Cerebos. They were welcomed by smiling residents. JoJo Tanks has donated 17 5,000-litre tanks.

Since October, the town has been facing severe water challenges. The Bonkolo Dam level is below abstraction point, and the Waterdown Dam does not meet demand.

The lack of water has affected clinics and hospitals. Lucky Ngemntu, governing board member for Kwakomani Senior Secondary School, said the school’s water has been off since October. As a result, the school has to close at noon every day.

On Monday, Chris Hani District Mayor Lusanda Sizani held a public meeting in Mlungisi stadium after residents marched to his office to demand water. He told them the R246-million Xonxa project will be completed this year. It was meant to be completed in 2018.

Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said water trucks will be filled at the municipal water treatment plant. He said the district municipality had requested assistance with 40 water tanks, drilling new boreholes, and equipping existing boreholes. He said water quality was an issue and filtration plants increased the costs substantially.

“Our hydrologists are at work surveying rock formations,” he said.

This is not the first time Gift of the Givers has come to relieve Komani. It did so with the 2019 and 2021 water crises, the Covid pandemic and the 2022 floods.

Community leader Axolile Masiza said the water delivered by the municipal trucks was “dirty and had a bad smell”.

“Now that Gift of the Givers is here, we want the municipality trucks to stop delivering water, and the money used to hire those trucks must be channelled to finding a permanent solution.”

He also claimed water was given preferentially, “mostly to individuals who are friends with the municipal officials”.

Regarding the allegations of individuals receiving preferential water, Mayor Sizani said there was a complaint that businesses in the townships were closing due to lack of water, while those in the town were operating. He said to assist businesses they decided to deliver water to those businesses. He denied that individuals received water.

The water level in Bonkolo Dam is below abstraction point.

Sources: GroundUp
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

 

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Vaal Dam Levels Soar Over 50% – Hope Flows Again! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/vaal-dam-levels-soar-over-50-hope-flows-again/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/vaal-dam-levels-soar-over-50-hope-flows-again/#respond Sat, 18 Jan 2025 04:45:30 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=141653

The Vaal Dam has surged from a worrying 24.3% to a life-saving 50.53% in just a week, thanks to heavy rains – bringing hope and relief to millions who depend...

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The Vaal Dam has surged from a worrying 24.3% to a life-saving 50.53% in just a week, thanks to heavy rains – bringing hope and relief to millions who depend on it.

 

Vaal, South Africa (18 January 2025) – Residents of Gauteng and beyond can breathe a sigh of relief as the Vaal Dam, a critical water source for millions, has surged from a worrying 24.3% last week to an encouraging 50.53%!

The remarkable rise is thanks to heavy rains sweeping across Gauteng and several other provinces, including North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.

Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) spokesperson Wisane Mavasa explained the situation, highlighting the significance of this boost.

“We are now clear of the risk for the Vaal Dam dropping below its minimum operating level of 18%.”

For months, the dam had been in a dire state, experiencing a steady decline due to scorching temperatures, which led to higher evaporation rates and scarce rainfall in the Vaal catchment area. At its lowest point in December, levels plummeted to almost 20%, even exposing underwater grave sites — a haunting reminder of the crisis.

Now, the tides have turned and the dam is on the rise.

Mavasa added, “The current dam level is now plotting above 50% and there is a good inflow because of recent rainfall in the catchment. There is, therefore, no more a need for water release from Sterkfontein Dam to support Vaal Dam.”

While this is undoubtedly good news, it’s essential to remember that water is still a precious and finite resource. The improvement doesn’t mean we can abandon our efforts to conserve it.

Here are a few simple ways to save water:

  • Fix leaks: Even a dripping tap can waste litres of water over time.
  • Turn off the tap: Don’t let it run while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.
  • Harvest rainwater: Install a rainwater tank to collect water for garden use.
  • Reuse greywater: Water from washing machines or basins can be used to water plants.
  • Water wisely: Water gardens in the early morning or late afternoon to minimise evaporation.

While we celebrate this milestone, let’s continue to work together to preserve this vital resource and secure a sustainable water future for South Africa. Every drop truly makes a difference.


Sources: Department of Water and Sanitation
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When History Resurfaces: The Underwater Graves of the Vaal Dam https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/when-history-resurfaces-the-underwater-graves-of-the-vaal-dam/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/when-history-resurfaces-the-underwater-graves-of-the-vaal-dam/#respond Sat, 14 Dec 2024 05:05:08 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=139588

Beneath the surface of South Africa’s Vaal Dam lies a hidden chapter of history, one that resurfaces only when the waters retreat – an underwater grave site.   Vaal, South...

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Beneath the surface of South Africa’s Vaal Dam lies a hidden chapter of history, one that resurfaces only when the waters retreat – an underwater grave site.

 

Vaal, South Africa (14 December 2024) – South Africa’s rich history often reveals itself in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, it rises from beneath our feet – or, in this case, from under the waters of the Vaal Dam.

Every few years, when the dam’s water level drops significantly, an eerie yet fascinating sight emerges: an underwater grave site that tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and community.

And photos of these graves are going viral on social media again in 2024.

The underwater grave site is a remnant of life before the dam’s creation in the early 20th century. Built in 1938 to supply water to the growing Johannesburg region, the Vaal Dam submerged several farms and small settlements, along with their cemeteries.

The current drop in water levels, with the dam standing at just 26.5% capacity as of 9 December 2024, has uncovered the grave site for the first time since November 2020. Before that, the graves were last exposed in November 2016, when the dam hit a record low of 26.3%.

When History Resurfaces: The Underwater Graves of the Vaal Dam
Photo Credit: The photos being shared on social media seem to be credited to @Bikerouma

Why Are Water Levels So Low?

The decline in the dam’s capacity is due to a combination of factors. A particularly dry summer with scorching temperatures has accelerated evaporation. Additionally, maintenance on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project—a crucial source of water for the dam—has reduced inflows. Experts believe that climate change, shifting rainfall patterns, and a lack of adequate rainfall in the Vaal catchment area have also played significant roles.

Despite the visible effects of the drought, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reassured South Africans that there’s no immediate cause for concern.

The Sterkfontein Dam, a reserve water supply, is ready to bolster the system should the Vaal Dam’s level drop below 18%. However, the DWS continues to urge responsible water use, highlighting that every drop saved helps to ease the strain on our systems.

Why This Story is a Good Thing

The reappearance of the grave site serves as a powerful reminder of our shared history. It’s a moment to reflect on the ingenuity and determination that shaped South Africa’s water infrastructure while also paying respect to the lives and stories now intertwined with this dam.

This moment also brings an opportunity for education. The visible graves have sparked discussions about water conservation, climate resilience, and the impact of human activity on natural resources. It’s a chance for communities to unite in efforts to preserve and protect the water that sustains us all.

These graves have withstood decades of submersion, and their reappearance reminds us of the resilience that defines South Africa’s people and landscapes.

In the spirit of optimism, let’s use this moment to recommit to sustainable water use, celebrate the progress we’ve made in managing our resources, and honour the history revealed by the waters of the Vaal Dam. Together, we can ensure that future generations will also marvel at the stories that connect us to our past.

When History Resurfaces: The Underwater Graves of the Vaal Dam
Photo Credit: The photos being shared on social media seem to be credited to @Bikerouma

Sources: Department of Water and Sanitation | Africa Check 
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Champion of Marathons for Change to Celebrate World Water Day in Cape Town! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/champion-of-marathons-for-change-to-celebrate-world-water-day-in-cape-town/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/champion-of-marathons-for-change-to-celebrate-world-water-day-in-cape-town/#respond Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:57:44 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=120295

As World Water Day approaches, water activists around the world are preparing to put water conservation in the spotlight in their own unique waves. One very special water warrior Mina...

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As World Water Day approaches, water activists around the world are preparing to put water conservation in the spotlight in their own unique waves. One very special water warrior Mina Guli (who completed 200 marathons for water awareness in one year) is coming to Cape Town where she’ll be joined by thousands to run for the blue cause:

 

Cape Town, South Africa (18 March 2024) — As the world gears up to celebrate World Water Day on March 22 (Friday) Cape Town is set to host a remarkable advocate for water conservation and sustainability, Mina Guli!

The renowned international water activist and marathon maverick who completed 200 marathons in a single year for water advocacy is a certified water warrior.

Mina’s visit to Cape Town marks a splash of a moment in the ongoing battle against water scarcity. Amidst the backdrop of a city that faced its own water crisis not too long ago, and a country that is currently experiencing water shortages in many provinces, her presence serves as an important reminder of the urgent need for collective action.

On Friday, Mina will lace up her running shoes to participate in a fun run/walk in Sea Point, Cape Town, as part of the World Water Run, which will see thousands of people running and walking for water across the world as part of her Run Blue Campaign. This initiative, which extends its reach virtually worldwide, aims to inspire individuals to step out and contribute to the cause of water conservation. Participants are encouraged to run or walk for water and share their accomplishments on social media using the hashtag #worldwaterrun.

Over the past few years, Mina has been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about the global water shortage through various impactful initiatives, which have built the biggest global grassroots movement in history on water!

The most recent being her Run Blue campaign where she completed 200 marathons in 32 countries in one year around the world (despite not considering herself a runner), including one in Cape Town. She finished her 200th on the steps of the United Nations to kickstart the UN Water Conference and drive home the urgency of the water crisis and how everyone has a real part to play in securing our future.

In a statement reflecting on her mission, Mina says:

“Water scarcity is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting billions of people worldwide. Through the Run Blue Campaign, my goal is to ignite a sense of urgency and empower individuals, businesses and governments to take meaningful action to conserve water resources.”

But, Mina’s efforts extend beyond mere advocacy. Through partnerships with governments, NGOs, and grassroots organisations, she strives to implement sustainable water management practices and promote water resilience on a global scale.

As Cape Town prepares to welcome her for World Water Day, the call to action reverberates louder than ever.

It’s a call to mobilize communities, to raise awareness, and to champion the cause of water conservation. By participating in the World Water Run and even joining the Run Blue Campaign, individuals can contribute to a shared vision of a water-secure future for all.

In the words of Mina Guli, “Together, we have the power to make a difference. Let’s lace up, step out, and run for water—for our planet, for our future.”

The stage is set, and the challenge is clear. As Cape Town embraces Mina Guli’s visit, the world watches, poised to follow in her footsteps towards a more sustainable and water-secure tomorrow.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit here.


Sources: Supplied 
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Water Update: Cape Town Dam Levels Increase to 101,8%! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/water-update-cape-town-dam-levels-increase-to-1018/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/water-update-cape-town-dam-levels-increase-to-1018/#respond Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:30:20 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=80886

Dams supplying Cape Town have for the second year running crested the 100% mark – this year sooner than in 2020, when dams hit full capacity in October. Prior to...

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Dams supplying Cape Town have for the second year running crested the 100% mark – this year sooner than in 2020, when dams hit full capacity in October. Prior to that, dams were last full in 2014.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (07 September 2021) – The total capacity of dams supplying the Cape Town metro increased by 0,50% in the last week, from 101.3%  the previous week to 101,8%. Daily water consumption for the same period decreased to 696 million litres per day, compared to 738 million litres the week before. At the same time last year, dam levels were at 95,4%.

Some residents have asked how the City calculates a capacity of more than 100% and what happens with the excess water once dams have reached their full capacity. In terms of the excess percentages, the water depth flowing over the spillways translates to a volume of water temporarily stored behind the dam wall. A percentage exceeding 100% indicates that the dam is overflowing. Water that overflows goes down the rivers and is important for the ecological functioning of these watercourses.

While the robust dam levels are certainly something to be thankful for, we cannot afford to become complacent in our ambitions for water security and reducing reliance on surface (rainfall) water. The City continues to pursue its New Water Programme, and the commitments laid out in its Water Strategy, come rain or shine.

Cape Town is located in a water-scarce region, and our climate – particularly in Southern Africa – is proving increasingly unpredictable. The City is enhancing its management of the existing water supply, and it accepts the responsibility that it needs to step beyond its municipal mandate in terms of bulk water supply provision, as we did during the recent drought. In the face of rising temperatures globally, and erratic rainfall patterns, the City is pushing ahead with realising the objectives laid out in the Water Strategy of building resilience and water security for this generation and generations to come.

As dams are now full, some residents might be questioning whether water tariffs can be lowered to pre-drought levels, when all households, both indigent and non-indigent, were provided six Kilolitres of water per month, at no charge.

Prior to the drought, water purchases by those using high volumes of water allowed for the first six Kilolitres of water to be subsidised. Water usage habits have remained significantly lower than they were before the drought, and there are very few customers today who purchase the volumes of municipal water that enabled a subsidised allocation. The changing circumstances placed the sustainability of the previous tariff model at risk and left the water and sanitation service vulnerable to climate shocks. It was necessary to build resilience into the tariff model while adjusting the price of water to a more cost-reflective level. For this reason, the City introduced the tariff model comprising a fixed component and a (variable) usage component. This provides a degree of security to a sustained operation of the vast water and sanitation service.

It is important to keep in mind that the amount of water in our dams, which we share with several other municipalities, does not directly influence the cost of delivering the overall water and sanitation service.

The City appreciates that tariff structures can be tricky to understand, so would like to highlight the key points below.

  • The cost of providing the service remains largely the same regardless of how much or how little water flows through the system. Put more simply, the transporting, quality and reliability of the water supply must remain at the same standard, whether people are using a lot of water, or a little.
  • The water tariff is made up of a fixed part and a usage part. It is a model used by numerous municipalities all over the country and helps provide a reliable water service.
  • The fixed/variable tariff model helps stabilise revenue streams so that variations in usage patterns, as with a drought response, service operations and maintenance programmes are not negatively impacted.
  • If the fixed portion of the tariff model was removed, the usage part of the tariff will need to be increased significantly to compensate.
  • The service includes the treatment and scientific quality testing of water; operation, repairs and maintenance of infrastructure; and transport and treatment of wastewater.
  • The amount to be recovered to fund the service however depends on how much water is used by the customers.
  • Many Cape Town residents have sustained the water-wise efficiencies developed during the drought, and as such, water costs more per kilolitre on average compared to the period before the drought.
  • Post-drought tariffs also need to absorb the cost of the New Water Programme (NWP), which aims to produce approximately 300 million litres (Ml) per day through groundwater abstraction, desalination and water re-use by 2030.
  • The NWP aims to build resilience to the effects of climate change, and future droughts, ensuring a safe, reliable water supply for generations to come.
  • The City does not budget for a profit from the sale of water and seeks to keep costs of service delivery as low as possible.
  • Residents who are registered as indigent do not pay the fixed part of the water tariff and receive a free allocation of water monthly.
  • Cape Town’s registered indigent residents are provided the largest water and sanitation allocation, at no charge to the household, in the country.
  • The City will continue to support registered indigent residents – comprising approximately 40% of households in the metro – with a monthly water allocation at no charge.

More information about the City’s Water Strategy can be found here: http://www.capetown.gov.za/general/cape-town-water-strategy


Sources: City of Cape Town 
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Click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes that there’s good news all around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:
Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African. 

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KwaZulu-Natal Dam Levels Stable as Winter Sets In! https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/kwazulu-natal-dam-levels-stable-as-winter-sets-in/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/kwazulu-natal-dam-levels-stable-as-winter-sets-in/#respond Wed, 28 Apr 2021 15:28:04 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=73903

Dam Levels within the system are also considerably above average, with the Midmar Dam at 100% of capacity.   KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (28 April 2021) – KwaZulu-Natal dam levels are...

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Dam Levels within the system are also considerably above average, with the Midmar Dam at 100% of capacity.

 

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (28 April 2021) – KwaZulu-Natal dam levels are stable at 73.8% from last week’s 73.7%; this is as the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) continues to monitor water levels in the province ahead of the winter season.

According to the department, dam levels were slightly lower this time last year, as 62.9% was the level recorded.

Meanwhile, the Umgeni Water Supply System has seen a minimal increase this week at 85.1% from 84.5% recorded last week.

“Dams within the system are also considerably above average, with the Midmar Dam at 100.0% of capacity. The Nagle and Albert-Falls Dams presently stand at 85.1% and 54.9%, respectively. This time last year, the Dams were respectively at 99.6% and 39.0%,” said the DWS in a statement on Wednesday.

Inanda Dam has recorded a level of 99.5% from last week’s 99.7%, while the Spring Grove Dam is at 97.8% from 97.3%.

The Spioenkop is at 100.1%, Ntshingwayo at 81.2%, Zaaihoek at 81.0 and Woodstock is at 98.9% as these dams remain unchanged from last week’s levels.

Hazelmere Dam has slightly declined from 55.1% last week to 54.4% in the current week. Compared to a similar period last year, it stood at 58.4%. Also on a downward spiral is the Mearns Dam at 81.0% from 92.7%. This time last year, it was overflowing at 121.2%.

The department has reassured residents that it continues to work tirelessly with all spheres of government to implement long-term measures to help alleviate water scarcity challenges in the province.

“While we work to ensure that each and every household has reliable and good quality water, we call on residents to play their part. Use water sparingly and report cases of infrastructure failure, including vandalism, illegal connections and water leaks to local authorities. We can only win this by working together,” said DWS spokesperson Sputnik Ratau.


Sources: SA News 
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Water Update – Cape Town dam levels stable at 77,2% https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/water-update-cape-town-dam-levels-stable-at-772/ https://www.goodthingsguy.com/environment/water-update-cape-town-dam-levels-stable-at-772/#respond Mon, 20 Jul 2020 13:37:01 +0000 https://www.goodthingsguy.com/?p=61933

The consistent increase in our dam levels over recent weeks is a big relief considering the relatively dry start to winter 2020.   Western Cape, South Africa (20 July 2020)...

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The consistent increase in our dam levels over recent weeks is a big relief considering the relatively dry start to winter 2020.

 

Western Cape, South Africa (20 July 2020) – Dams supplying the Cape Metro increased by 4,5% over the past week (13 July – 19 July 2020) to 77,2% of total capacity. Consumption for the same period increased by 8 million litres per day to an average of 657 million litres per day, compared to 649 million litres per day the week before.

At the same time last year, dam levels stood at 61,8%.

“The consistent increase in our dam levels over recent weeks is a big relief considering the relatively dry start to winter 2020. Although rainfall is still tracking at below the historical average, continued low water consumption means that at this stage our outlook for 2020/21 is looking quite positive.

However, this outlook will still be influenced by rainfall levels over the next few months, and as such we ask that residents please continue watching this space. Although there is currently no reason to be concerned about our immediate water security (provided current restrictions are adhered to), we should not forget the very valuable lessons learnt about the finite nature of our most precious resource,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste, Alderman Xanthea Limberg.

For more information on new water sources, water restrictions (Level 1 currently in place), guidelines around alternative water sources such as boreholes and rainwater tanks, and tariff information, please visit www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater.


Sources: Cape Town Dam Levels | City of Cape Town 
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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll hopefully leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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