As of Monday, 21 October 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 99.2%, showcasing a 0.6% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 21 October 2024
The major dams experienced slight reductions in water levels this week.
Berg River Dam dropped from 99.9% to 99.6%, a 0.3% decrease. Steenbras Lower and Upper Dams saw larger declines, with Steenbras Lower falling from 95.1% to 93.9%, a 1.2% decrease, and Steenbras Upper dropping from 97.8% to 95.4%, a 2.4% decrease.
Theewaterskloof, the largest dam, recorded a drop from 100.5% to 99.9%, a 0.6% reduction. Voëlvlei Dam saw a similar decline, from 99.1% to 98.3%.
Wemmershoek Dam remained stable with a small decrease from 100.0% to 99.7%.
Rainfall Analysis
There was no recorded rainfall across any of the monitored regions this week, including key locations like Theewaterskloof, Steenbras, Voëlvlei, and Table Mountain (Woodhead).
The continued dry conditions have contributed to the slight but noticeable decline in dam levels, especially in smaller, more sensitive dams like Alexandra and Woodhead.
A look at changes in major dams
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 21 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 130,010 | 99.6% | 99.9% | -0.3% |
Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 93.9% | 95.1% | -1.2% |
Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 95.4% | 97.8% | -2.4% |
Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 99.9% | 100.5% | -0.6% |
Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 98.3% | 99.1% | -0.8% |
Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 99.7% | 100.0% | -0.3% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams displayed more significant changes. Alexandra Dam continued its decline, falling from 80.8% to 77.6%, a 3.2% drop.
Woodhead Dam recorded the largest decrease, dropping from 58.7% to 48.5%, a 10.2% reduction.
Other minor dams, like Lewis Gay, also showed declines, with a drop from 95.0% to 91.2%.
In contrast, Kleinplaats Dam remained steady at 61.9%, while Land-en-Zeezicht and De Villiers saw minimal to no changes in water levels.
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 21 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alexandra | 126 | 77.6% | 80.8% | -3.2% |
De Villiers | 243 | 98.4% | 100.2% | -1.8% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 98.8% | 99.3% | -0.5% |
Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 61.9% | 61.9% | 0.0% |
Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
Lewis Gay | 182 | 91.2% | 95.0% | -3.8% |
Victoria | 128 | 98.1% | 99.6% | -1.5% |
Woodhead | 954 | 48.5% | 58.7% | -10.2% |
Looking ahead, dam levels in the Western Cape may continue to decrease if the dry conditions persist. Major dams remain above 93%, which is sufficient for now, but the decline in minor dams, particularly Woodhead and Alexandra, highlights the importance of ongoing water conservation efforts.
Without significant rainfall in the coming weeks, further reductions in dam levels are likely, and water-saving measures will become even more critical to maintaining the region’s supply.
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.