Kouga Dam level increases to over 17% for first time in two years

The
Gamtoos Irrigation Board confirmed that the Kouga Dam level reached over 17%
today, August 24, a percentage which was last recorded over two years
ago. 

According
to Rienette Colesky, CEO of Gamtoos Irrigation Board, for the first time in
over two years the Kouga Dam level has reached 17.29% which has resulted in a
bit of enthusiasm.

She said
on March 20, 2020, the Kouga Dam level was at 17%, but has continued to decline
since then.

“We
have been living in a very scarce time as the dam level has continued to drop
for over two years,” said Colesky.

Despite
the excitement she said the improvement in water level does not make a
difference to the community. 

“The
increase in the dam levels only creates water surety in the Kouga Dam so the
allocation in the dam can last a longer time,” said Colesky.

She
said the water allocation which was given by the Department of Water
Affairs for the region will stay the same until the dam capacity increases at a
great amount. 

Since
the rain months in the Langkloof and Baviaanskloof catchment area is from March
to April and then later the year from October to November again, Colesky said they
are hopeful for more rain which will increase the dam level.

She further
said they have noticed an increase in rain from August.

“In
the last three years we have seen that there are usually rain events from
August which during the drought has increased the dam level with approximately
3%. This rain makes a difference, but we need much more than that,” said Colesky.

She
said a flood would fill the dam which would mean a rain event needs to occur in
a short space of time in the more important catchment area which is the
Langkloof. 

“This
catchment area would need 50mm or higher in a short space of time,” said Colesky.