On the week of 2 April 2024, Cape Town dam levels showed a slight decrease, with an overall dam storage reading of 65.6%
Cape Town dam levels drop to 67.2% on Monday, 1 April 2024
Despite the early winter rains surpassing average expectations, the city’s water resource status is currently set to “Wise Water Use,” with levels expected to drop to 60% before the rainy season, which is anticipated to kick off in May 2024.
Cape Town’s daily average water consumption rose from approximately 954 million litres last week to 935 million litres on Monday, 1 April 2024, sourced predominantly from major dams, with minor contributions from groundwater, springs, and minor dams.
Rainfall analysis for the same period paints a sparse picture, with most regions recording minimal precipitation.
Notably, Theewaterskloof and Steenbras, two of the major water sources, received a slight increase, though insufficient to offset the overall decrease in dam levels.
A look at changes in major dams
The past week has seen a -1.40% change in the dam levels across the region.
Major dams, which serve as the backbone of the water supply system, recorded a storage percentage of 65.6%, a slight decline from the previous week’s 67.0%.
This trend was mirrored across the major reservoirs, including the Berg River, Steenbras Lower and Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek dams, each witnessing a subtle dip in their water levels.
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 1 April 2024:
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 2 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 130,010 | 72.9% | 73.8% | -0.9% |
Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 59.7% | 61.9% | -2.2% |
Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 82.3% | 84.1% | -1.8% |
Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 64.5% | 65.7% | -1.2% |
Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 59.1% | 60.7% | -1.6% |
Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 71.6% | 73.6% | -2.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Conversely, minor dams reported a more significant decrease of -1.77%, bringing their overall storage to 43.4%.
This decline is notable in the context of these dams’ smaller capacities and localised impact, highlighting variability in water retention across different storage facilities.
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 2 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alexandra | 126 | 33.8% | 35.7% | -1.9% |
De Villiers | 243 | 87.2% | 95.8% | -8.6% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 7.4% | 7.4% | 0.0% |
Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 47.4% | 51.4% | -4.0% |
Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 97.3% | 95.2% | +2.1% |
Lewis Gay | 182 | 39.6% | 25.8% | +13.8% |
Victoria | 128 | 67.3% | 68.5% | -1.2% |
Woodhead | 954 | 35.9% | 39.4% | -3.5% |
Five easy ways to save water and reduce consumption
Here are five effective ways to achieve this goal:
- Fix Leaks Promptly: A small drip from a leaking faucet or pipe can waste a significant amount of water over time. Regularly checking for and repairing leaks in plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, and pipes can prevent water wastage.
- Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Using low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can significantly reduce water usage. These fixtures are designed to use less water while maintaining efficiency, which can lead to considerable savings on water bills and a substantial reduction in water consumption.
- Practice Efficient Watering: Watering lawns and gardens can consume a large amount of water. Watering during the early morning or late evening reduces evaporation and ensures that plants receive the moisture they need. Employing drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses targets water directly to the roots where it’s most needed, reducing waste.
- Use Water-Saving Appliances: Choosing appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that are energy and water-efficient can lead to substantial water savings. These appliances are designed to use minimal water while delivering optimal performance. Running them only when full maximizes efficiency and conserves water.
- Adopt Water-Saving Habits: Simple daily actions can lead to significant water savings. Turning off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing dishes by hand, and taking shorter showers are practical habits that reduce water use. Additionally, collecting rainwater for garden irrigation and using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks can further decrease water consumption.