As of Monday, 12 August 2024, Cape Town dam levels have risen to 104%, showcasing a 2.7% increase from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels rise to 104% on Monday, 12 August 2024
The major dams in the Western Cape have experienced varied yet positive changes in water levels.
Berg River Dam increased slightly from 101.4% to 102.3%, a 0.9% rise.
Steenbras Lower Dam saw a modest increase from 103.4% to 103.6%, a 0.2% rise. Steenbras Upper Dam remained stable at 101.4%, showing no change from the previous week.
Theewaterskloof Dam experienced a significant rise, moving from 104.0% to 106.6%, a 2.6% increase.
Voëlvlei Dam saw the most substantial improvement, increasing from 93.7% to 99.9%, a 6.2% rise.
Wemmershoek Dam also showed a slight increase from 99.9% to 100.1%, a 0.2% rise.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall across the region has continued to be above average, contributing to the increased dam levels.
Significant rainfall was recorded at various locations:
- Blackheath Upper: 77.7 mm
- Brooklands: 135.1 mm
- Newlands: 237.0 mm
- Steenbras: 127.1 mm
- Table Mountain (Woodhead): 215.8 mm
- Theewaterskloof: 76.0 mm
- Tygerberg: 86.5 mm
- Voëlvlei: 90.2 mm
- Wemmershoek: 146.0 mm
- Wynberg: 191.1 mm
These rainfall levels have directly contributed to the rise in dam storage, particularly in the major dams, which are crucial for the region’s water supply.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 12 August 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 102.3% | 101.4% | +0.9% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 103.6% | 103.4% | +0.2% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 101.4% | 101.4% | 0.0% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 106.6% | 104.0% | +2.6% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 99.9% | 93.7% | +6.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 100.1% | 99.9% | +0.2% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams also showed positive changes, although some data remained unavailable.
Kleinplaats Dam experienced a significant increase from 73.7% to 81.2%, a 7.5% rise.
Land-en-Zeezicht Dam remained stable at 99.4%, and Lewis Gay Dam also remained unchanged at 100.9%.
Data for Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Victoria, and Woodhead dams were not provided this week.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 12 August 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| De Villiers | 243 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 81.2% | 73.7% | +7.5% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 100.9% | 100.9% | 0.0% |
| Victoria | 128 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Woodhead | 954 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
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.
