The Clanwilliam Dam, north of Cape Town, is an unlikely social media star this week, after the reservoir’s sluice gates were opened and dramatic videos were the result.
The dam, which holds 121 000 megalitres used for irrigation, was 99.4% full as of 17 September according to the Western Cape Government.
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However, it’s likely that recent rains have pushed the dam’s level beyond the 100% mark, because it’s now releasing water back into the Olifants River.
Videos and pictures on Twitter and Instagram have been posted of the dam’s improved state this week.
For comparison, it was just 38.4% in September 2017.
This video published by @TrafficSA received more than 1000 likes since it was uploaded on Wednesday evening. The clip has been viewed over 26 000 times.
Western Cape – Clanwilliam Dam: Sluice Gates open – what a beautiful sight #CapeTown #WaterCrisis pic.twitter.com/8JSwXGg40e
— Rob Beezy (@TrafficSA) September 19, 2018
Another video from @ReenvalSA, captured by Heidi Vermeulen, was also spotted on Twitter yesterday. It has received just under 600 views.
The #Clanwilliam dam this morning after good #rain in the area
Heidi Vermeulen @eNCA @JoelGuy_ @ewnupdates @TeamNews24 @YouMagazine @zarsg pic.twitter.com/tLq1nf6ylA — ReenvalSA (@ReenvalSA) September 19, 2018
Namaqua West Coast’s tourism account game a more in-depth explanation of the current situation. “6 sluice gates have been opened this morning at Clanwilliam dam,” it tweeted around 9am Thursday.
UPDATE! 6 sluice gates have been opened this morning at Clanwilliam dam @WeskusTourism @VisitWinelands @Vinpro_za pic.twitter.com/VKnNnGfxB0
— Namaqua West Coast (@visitNWC) September 20, 2018
It’s seemingly not the first time the dam’s sluice gates have been opened this year though.
On 1 September, just one gate was open, which made for a pretty picturesque snap.
As of 17 September, the Western Cape’s combined dam levels stood at 61.6%. The City of Cape Town’s reservoirs were 70% full.
Feature image: screenshot, @TrafficSA via Twitter
