As of Monday, 27 May 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 59.3%, posting a 0.60% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to % on Monday, 27 May 2024
The major dams, including Berg River, Steenbras Lower and Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek, all recorded slight changes in their storage levels.
Berg River saw a minor decrease from 70.6% to 70.1%, and Theewaterskloof dropped from 58.7% to 58.3%.
Steenbras Lower, however, experienced a slight increase from 55.1% to 55.5%.
Rainfall during this period was sparse, with only minor showers recorded.
Newlands received 5.5 mm, Steenbras recorded 3.4 mm, and Table Mountain (Woodhead) noted 11.0 mm.
These small amounts were insufficient to significantly impact the declining water levels, spotlighting the need for sustained and substantial rainfall to improve dam storage.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 27 May 2024:
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 27 May 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 70.1% | 70.6% | -0.5% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 55.5% | 55.1% | +0.4% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 80.1% | 80.2% | -0.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 58.3% | 58.7% | -0.4% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 49.3% | 50.2% | -0.9% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 62.5% | 63.7% | -1.2% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
In contrast, minor dams demonstrated mixed results.
Alexandra and Woodhead saw decreases, with Alexandra dropping from 35.2% to 34.6% and Woodhead from 37.4% to 35.4%.
De Villiers showed a slight increase from 83.1% to 84.2%, showcasing some resilience among smaller reservoirs.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 27 May 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 34.6% | 35.2% | -0.6% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 84.2% | 83.1% | +1.1% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 41.2% | 40.1% | +1.1% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 29.0% | 28.5% | +0.5% |
| Victoria | 128 | 73.7% | 73.7% | 0.0% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 35.4% | 37.4% | -2.0% |
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.
