As of Monday, 22 April 2024, Cape Town dam levels reported a decrease, registering an overall storage level of 64.0%, a drop of 0.9% from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 64.0% on Monday, 22 April 2024
The past week marked slight reductions across most major dams, contributing to the overall decline in water storage levels.
The Berg River dam, a significant water source, recorded a minor decrease from 73.7% to 73.4%.
Similar trends were observed in other key dams such as Theewaterskloof and Steenbras Upper, which saw decreases of 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively.
Voëlvlei experienced the most significant drop, falling by 2.2%.
The absence of rainfall over the past week has exacerbated the decreasing water levels.
Stations such as Theewaterskloof and Steenbras, which often contribute significantly to the region’s water supply, recorded no rainfall, continuing the dry spell that hampers water replenishment.
Looking ahead, the lack of rainfall and the current trend of decreasing water levels suggest that the Western Cape may continue to see further reductions in dam storage.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 22 April 2024:
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 22 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 73.4% | 73.7% | -0.3% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 60.2% | 61.6% | -1.4% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 80.3% | 81.0% | -0.7% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 63.4% | 64.0% | -0.6% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 54.3% | 56.5% | -2.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 67.7% | 69.3% | -1.6% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
In contrast, minor dams demonstrated a mixed response; while some, like the Hely-Hutchinson, showed drastic reductions due to reaching critically low levels (from 12.2% to 0.0%), others like Land-en-Zeezicht increased slightly by 1.1%.
Overall, minor dams’ storage decreased by 2.46%, marking a significant reduction to 42.6%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 22 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 35.9% | 36.9% | -1.0% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 83.4% | 83.8% | -0.4% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 12.2% | -12.2% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 42.1% | 42.6% | -0.5% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 98.8% | 97.7% | +1.1% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 54.2% | 59.8% | -5.6% |
| Victoria | 128 | 71.4% | 72.0% | -0.6% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 43.8% | 41.9% | +1.9% |
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.
