As of Monday, 23 September 2024, Cape Town dam levels have seen a slight decline, dropping to 100.4%.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 23 September 2024
The major dams showed mixed changes in water storage this week.
Berg River Dam recorded a slight increase from 99.8% to 100.0%, a 0.2% rise. Steenbras Lower Dam experienced a notable decrease from 100.5% to 99.0%, a 1.5% drop.
Steenbras Upper Dam saw a smaller decline, falling from 101.0% to 100.7%, a 0.3% reduction. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, remained stable at 101.0%.
Voëlvlei Dam recorded a drop from 100.7% to 99.5%, a decrease of 1.2%, while Wemmershoek Dam experienced a slight increase from 100.0% to 100.2%.
Rainfall Impact
This week recorded no rainfall across all monitored regions, contributing to the slight decrease in dam levels. Key rainfall locations reported 0.0 mm, including:
- Blackheath Upper
- Brooklands
- Newlands
- Steenbras
- Table Mountain (Woodhead)
- Theewaterskloof
- Tygerberg
- Voëlvlei
- Wemmershoek
- Wynberg
The absence of rain has impacted water levels, particularly in minor dams like Kleinplaats, which saw a noticeable decline.
Looking ahead, the trend suggests that dam levels might continue to drop slightly if the dry conditions persist. However, the overall water supply remains healthy, with major dams still above 100%.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 23 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 100.0% | 99.8% | +0.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 99.0% | 100.5% | -1.5% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 100.7% | 101.0% | -0.3% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 101.0% | 101.0% | 0.0% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 99.5% | 100.7% | -1.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 100.2% | 100.0% | +0.2% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams showed more variation, with Kleinplaats Dam experiencing a significant decrease from 81.2% to 73.7%, a 7.5% drop.
Both Land-en-Zeezicht and Lewis Gay Dams remained unchanged at 99.4% and 100.9%, respectively.
However, there was no updated data for Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Victoria, and Woodhead dams, making it difficult to assess their current storage levels accurately.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 23 September 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 | 73.7% | 81.2% | -7.5% |
| 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.
