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AgriCultureSA | Drought Report

Water Security & Climate Analysis: Garden Route & Karoo Region

Period: 2011-2026
Critical Dams
4

Gamka, Leeu-Gamka, Hartebeestkuil, Prinsrivier

HIGH RISK
Drought Period
2015-2018

Cape Town Water Crisis Era

EXTREME
Rainfall Deficit
50-65%

Below average in Karoo regions (2016-2018)

CRITICAL
Heat Extremes
39°C

Peak temps during drought (2017)

HIGH STRESS
Rainfall Trends Analysis
Monitor rainfall patterns across 17 locations in the Garden Route & Karoo region
Historical Average

700mm

30-year baseline

2016-2018 Status
35-50% Below

Critical drought period

Current Trend
Recovering

Post-2020 improvement

Regional Comparison (2016-2026 Average)
Comparing rainfall across all zones

Report Information

  • • Analysis Period: 2011-2026 (15 years dam data)
  • • Climate Context: 1996-2026 (30 years)
  • • Geographic Coverage: Western Cape Garden Route & Karoo
  • • Monitoring: 11 major dams, 17 rainfall locations

Data Sources

  • • Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) HyData
  • • SA Weather Service (SAWS) Rainfall Records
  • • UCT CSAG Climate Impact Studies
  • • WMO State of Global Climate 2024

Report Generated: January 2026 | AgriCultureSA Water Security Analysis