Cape Town dam levels decreased to 73.4% as of Monday, 26 February 2024, an indication of the Western Cape’s ongoing water management challenges.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 73.4% on Monday, 26 February 2024
Among the major dams, the Berg River Dam saw a reduction from 78.9% to 77.7%, indicating a modest decrease in its water levels.
Similarly, the Steenbras Lower Dam’s levels dropped from 68.5% to 67.2%, and the Steenbras Upper Dam from 95.8% to 95.3%, showing slight yet significant reductions.
Theewaterskloof, the largest dam in the system, experienced a more pronounced decline from 73.8% to 71.9%. Voëlvlei and Wemmershoek dams also reported decreases in their storage levels, moving from 71.2% to 68.8% and 82.4% to 80.4%, respectively.
Collectively, these changes contributed to an overall storage percentage decrease from 75.2% to 73.4% for major dams.
The minor dams’ figures tell a varied story with some dams like the Hely-Hutchinson and Lewis Gay dams showing stability in their water levels, with the latter maintaining its level at 81.3%.
In contrast, the Alexandra Dam witnessed a significant decline from 42.4% to 39.4%, and the Victoria Dam from 54.3% to 43.6%, showing substantial decreases in their water reserves.
Other minor dams, including De Villiers, Kleinplaats, and Woodhead, experienced slight to moderate reductions in their storage percentages.
The cumulative effect of these changes is reflected in the overall percentage full for minor dams, which decreased from 52.9% to 50.4%.
Here’s a look at the Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 26 February 2024:
Dam | % Full This Week | % Full Last Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 77.7% | 78.9% | -1.2% |
Steenbras Lower | 67.2% | 68.5% | -1.3% |
Steenbras Upper | 95.3% | 95.8% | -0.5% |
Theewaterskloof | 71.9% | 73.8% | -1.9% |
Voëlvlei | 68.8% | 71.2% | -2.4% |
Wemmershoek | 80.4% | 82.4% | -2.0% |
Alexandra | 39.4% | 42.4% | -3.0% |
De Villiers | 96.7% | 97.0% | -0.3% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 7.7% | 7.7% | 0% |
Kleinplaats | 56.7% | 58.7% | -2.0% |
Lewis Gay | 81.3% | 81.3% | 0% |
Victoria | 43.6% | 54.3% | -10.7% |
Woodhead | 72.4% | 73.0% | -0.6% |
The observed reductions in dam levels across both major and minor reservoirs are indicative of the broader challenges faced by the Western Cape in managing its water resources.
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.