As of Monday, 19 August 2024, Cape Town dam levels have slightly decreased to 103.0%, marking a 1.0% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels rise to 103% on Monday, 19 August 2024
The major dams in the Western Cape displayed varying changes in water levels this week.
Berg River Dam saw a decrease from 102.3% to 100.7%, a drop of 1.6%.
Steenbras Lower Dam, however, experienced a slight increase from 103.6% to 104.0%, reflecting a 0.4% rise. Steenbras Upper Dam dropped from 101.4% to 99.6%, a decrease of 1.8%.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, saw a significant drop from 106.6% to 103.9%, a 2.7% decrease.
Voëlvlei Dam, in contrast, experienced a strong increase from 99.9% to 104.1%, a 4.2% rise, while Wemmershoek Dam remained nearly stable, with a slight decrease from 100.1% to 100.0%.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall in the region continued to be a significant contributor to water storage levels, although not enough to prevent a slight overall decrease in total storage.
The recorded rainfall included:
- 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
This rainfall has positively impacted certain dams, especially Voëlvlei and Kleinplaats, which saw significant increases in water storage.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 19 August 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 100.7% | 102.3% | -1.6% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 104.0% | 103.6% | +0.4% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 99.6% | 101.4% | -1.8% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 103.9% | 106.6% | -2.7% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 104.1% | 99.9% | +4.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 100.0% | 100.1% | -0.1% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams presented mixed outcomes as well. Kleinplaats Dam showed a notable increase from 81.2% to 92.5%, an 11.3% rise.
Land-en-Zeezicht Dam and Lewis Gay Dam remained stable at 99.4% and 100.9% respectively.
However, data for Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Victoria, and Woodhead dams were not provided this week, making it difficult to assess their status accurately.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 19 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 | 92.5% | 81.2% | +11.3% |
| 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.
