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Keep on saving water Writer De Waal Steyn
T
he generous rainfall in the region during March and April has not led to a noticeable change in the level of the De Bos Dam, Hermanus’ main water supply. According to statistics supplied by the South African National Space Agency (SANSA), a total of 94.6 mm of rain fell in Hermanus in March, compared to a 72-year average of 32.7 mm. Johan Montgomery, viticulturist at Hamilton Russell Vineyards, said a total of 41.2 mm fell in the area in April. “Although the rainfall for the last two months looks good on paper, reality paints a different picture. Most of the rainfall measured was from light showers with very little or no follow-up rain. Because of the dry ground there was virtually no runoff into the streams and dams that supply the De Bos Dam,” said Johan. He said rainfall of more than 12 mm at a time, with generous follow-up rain is what is needed to break the dry cycle.
Two concerts featuring the largest orchestras yet on a FynArts stage will be coming to Hermanus this year. One of them is Olé – Spanish Spectacular which takes place on Saturday 8 June at Curro Hermanus. A minimum of eight dancers and an orchestra of 41 musicians will present a feast for the ears and eyes under the baton of Richard Cock.
According to the municipality, the De Bos Dam is 41,9% full, compared to 39% at the end of April 2018. “During March 70% of the water used in the greater Hermanus area came from the De Bos Dam and 30% from bore holes. We expect the level of the dam to bottom out at 39 % by the end of May before it starts to recover from the expected winter rains. Although we are slightly better off than this year last year, residents are still encouraged to limit their water usage until the dam is at least 80% full,” said Hanré Blignaut, Deputy Director of Infrastructure and Planning.
Statistics show that while Hermanus received an average annual rainfall of 606 mm over the last 72 years, rainfall for the last three years has been below that. In 2016 an average of 539 mm was recorded, with 524 mm in 2017 and 519 in 2018. The last time we received rainfall above the average was in 2015 with an average of 808 mm. In January this year a total of 20.5 mm was recorded versus an average of 25.4 and in February 15.8 mm was recorded compared to an average of 29.2 mm. March saw the most rainfall since 1989 when 122 mm fell, compared to this year’s 94.6 mm. The average rainfall for March is 32.7 mm. Level 2 water restrictions remain in force in the Greater Hermanus area. This means that gardens can only be watered one day per week for a maximum of one hour, before 09:00 or after 17:00. For residents with even numbers, it is Wednesdays only; and for residents with uneven numbers, it is Tuesdays only. Irrigation systems may be used, but only during the periods as stated above. Hose pipes may be used, but only for periods as stated above. Hosing down of paving and cement surfaces is not allowed. Vehicles may only be washed using a bucket. Other dams in the Overstrand area are at satisfactory levels. The Buffels River Dam that supplies Rooi-Els, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay is 100% full, the Kraaibos Dam in Gansbaai stands at 78.2% and the Pearly Beach dams at 79.4%. Kleinmond gets water directly from the Palmiet River. The level of the river is satisfactory. Stanford, Baardskeerdersbos and Buffeljagsbaai get their water from boreholes.