Cape Town dam levels have been on a worrying downturn and the latest report released by the City of Cape Town on Monday, 19 February 2024, paints a grim picture.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 75.2% on Monday, 19 February 2024
This summer has not been kind to Capetonians. From raging wildfires that wreaked havoc in areas like Pringle Bay, Kalk Bay, and among others, the Tygerberg Nature Reserve, to scorching temperatures, the Mother City has not edged water crisis levels since 2018’s ‘Day Zero’ drought.
Parts of Cape Town experienced varying degrees of scattered showers in the past few days but, as seen in this week’s dam levels, this was not nearly enough to affect change.
The six major dams, Berg River, Steenbras Lower and Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei and Wemmershoek, with a collective capacity of 898.2 billion litres, have dropped 1.7% to 675.6 billion litres this week.
A silver lining to this worrying trend is the gradual drop in average daily water use, which, this week, totalled 944 million litres, of which, 940 million litres are drawn from the six major dams.
In light of the negative trend, the City of Cape Town’s water resource status has been placed at Wise Water Use, which notes that “although early winter rains have been above average… it is important to continue using water wisely.”
Here is a comparative look at this week’s Cape Town dam levels:
Dam | Capacity (Ml) | % Full | % Last week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 130,010 | 78.9 | 80.2 | -1.3 |
Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 68.5 | 70.5 | -2 |
Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 95.8 | 95.9 | -0.1 |
Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 73.8 | 75.5 | -1.7 |
Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 71.2 | 72.9 | -1.7 |
Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 82.4 | 85.5 | -3.1 |
Meanwhile, the minor dams report a collective level of 52.5%, dropping 1.54% this week.
What’s behind the thirsty trend? A combination of factors: sporadic early winter rains that didn’t quite hit the mark, coupled with daily water use totalling 940 million litres.
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.