Singing in the Rain
Earlier this year, Cape Town was suffering the effects of one of the worst droughts in recorded history. The main water supply dam for the city, Theewaterskloof Dam, fell to a record low of less than 10% capacity, creating ripples of panic across the drought-stricken areas.
Rain, rain, rain for Cape Town
What a difference three months makes!
The City of Cape Town imposed severe water restrictions with inhabitants tasked to use less than 50 litres of water per day.
Thankfully, the recent rains (Cape Town is in the middle of its usual rainy season) have performed their very welcome task and local dams have already reached 38.1% of storage capacity.
While Capetonians are still urged to use water sparingly, the threat of Day Zero (when taps would be switched off to certain areas) has thankfully been averted for the year.
At a recent conference on water, Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Ian Nielson, said:
"One of our groundwater abstraction projects is producing 12 million litres a day, and will soon scale up to 20 million litres. Other groundwater abstraction projects are underway and we anticipate that, at their peak, they will supply around 150 million litres of water per day.
It is now more crucial than ever that we share with others what we have learnt and learn from them in order to craft a common strategic vision on how best to conserve and manage our water resources for a sustainable future."
Singing in the rain
About the author
A 'word smith' or copywriter with over 25 years experience, love travelling, wildlife and conservation; fascinated by alternative energy, alternative building and alternative health. Consummate reader and traveller, both internationally and southern Africa. Have two remarkable daughters that continue to amaze and teach me daily. Consider myself privileged to live on the best continent on the planet.
