We’ve been blessed with exceptional rainfall in Cape Town this year.  Year-to-date we have already received 114% more rain in comparison to the average annual rainfall over the last 7 years! 

The month of June alone has yielded an impressive 203.3mm of rain.  We might still receive more rain in the remaining months of this year, which would see the current year to date annual total precipitation of 522.4mm rise even further.  

The average annual rainfall for Cape Town is around 505 – 515mm*, which indicates that we’ve had a much wetter winter than on average. Dam levels of the 6 largest dams contributing to drinking water to the City of Cape Town, is sitting of an average of 99.6% capacity** 

Did you know that Century City has a smart way of dealing with rainwater?  Our canals form part of the stormwater drainage system. This system, which runs beneath our city, is designed to collect rainwater that overflows onto the roads and other hard surfaces due to impenetrable pavements into strategically placed drains and culverts.  

All secondary stormwater pipes feed into the main stormwater pipeline of the City which directs stormwater under Ysterplaat and discharges into the ocean. The Stormwater detention pond situated on Skywater Avenue functions as a stormwater attenuation facility to temporarily store the excess overflow from the main line of stormwater until it can be slowly and gradually be released back into the stormwater system or natural underground water table. Its effect then aids to prevent flooding of the precinct.  

Rainwater replenishes and refills our canals, resulting in improved water quality and circulation, as well as higher water levels for our water sports, such as canoeing, dragon boating and kayaking. 

 Even though we have had such amazing rainfall, we would still like to encourage our community to continue with wise-water saving initiatives as we head into summer. Use water wisely!