As of the week of 15 April 2024, the City of Cape Town reported a slight reduction in overall dam levels to 64.9%, a minimal decrease from the previous week,
Cape Town dam levels drop to 64.9% on Monday, 15 April 2024
The major dams, which collectively hold the bulk of the region’s water supply, showed a mixed pattern in water storage.
While Theewaterskloof remained stable, Berg River and Steenbras Upper exhibited increases, contrasting with decreases at Voëlvlei and Wemmershoek.
This week, the major dams collectively saw a fractional decrease in storage by 0.1%.
Rainfall during this period was modest, with the highest recordings at Theewaterskloof (43.0 mm) and Table Mountain (Woodhead) (30.0 mm), contributing positively but insufficiently to overall water reserves.
This rainfall is critical as it starts to offset the deficits seen in dam storage levels, though it remains insufficient to fully counteract ongoing usage rates.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 15 April 2024:
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 15 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 130,010 | 73.7% | 72.7% | +1.0% |
Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 61.6% | 59.3% | +2.3% |
Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 81.0% | 79.4% | +1.6% |
Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 64.0% | 64.0% | 0.0% |
Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 56.5% | 58.4% | -1.9% |
Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 69.3% | 70.3% | -1.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
In the realm of minor dams, the story was more upbeat with a collective increase of 2.89% in storage levels compared to the previous week.
Notable improvements were seen at Hely-Hutchinson and Victoria, though Kleinplaats and Lewis Gay saw slight reductions in their storage percentages.
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 15 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alexandra | 126 | 37.5% | 35.0% | +2.5% |
De Villiers | 243 | 83.3% | 83.5% | -0.2% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 22.5% | 7.5% | +15.0% |
Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 42.6% | 43.6% | -1.0% |
Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 97.7% | 98.8% | -1.1% |
Lewis Gay | 182 | 59.8% | 62.6% | -2.8% |
Victoria | 128 | 75.3% | 68.2% | +7.1% |
Woodhead | 954 | 31.0% | 31.2% | -0.2% |
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.