As of Monday, 13 May 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 61.3%, marking a 0.7% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 62.0% on Monday, 6 May 2024
The region’s major dams, including Berg River, Steenbras Lower and Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek, all recorded decreases in their storage percentages.
Berg River saw a modest decrease from 71.4% to 71.1%, while Theewaterskloof dropped more noticeably from 61.4% to 60.8%. Steenbras Lower experienced one of the larger reductions, from 57.9% to 56.6%.
Despite recent rains, their impact remains minimal on the overall water supply.
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Newlands and Table Mountain (Woodhead) experienced the most significant rainfall, recording 10 mm and 25 mm, respectively. However, these figures are still too low to offset the broader trend of decreasing dam levels.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 13 May 2024:
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 13 May 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 71.1% | 71.4% | -0.42% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 56.6% | 57.9% | -2.25% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 80.1% | 80.0% | +0.12% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 60.8% | 61.4% | -0.98% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 51.2% | 52.1% | -1.72% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 64.8% | 65.6% | -1.22% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Conversely, minor dams displayed mixed results. While Alexandra and Victoria dams showed slight increases, others like Woodhead and Lewis Gay reported substantial declines.
Notably, Woodhead’s storage rose by 14.51%, showcasing some resilience against the overall negative trend.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 13 May 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 35.6% | 34.2% | +4.09% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 81.7% | 80.1% | +2.00% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 40.4% | 40.6% | -0.49% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 34.1% | 43.6% | -21.78% |
| Victoria | 128 | 73.7% | 70.4% | +4.68% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 36.3% | 31.7% | +14.51% |
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.
