As of Monday, 30 September 2024, Cape Town dam levels have experienced a slight decrease, settling at 100.2%. This represents a 0.2% drop from the previous week, with minimal rainfall contributing to changes in both major and minor dams.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 30 September 2024
The major dams showed varying changes this week. Berg River Dam saw a slight increase from 100.0% to 100.9%, a 0.9% rise.
Steenbras Lower Dam recorded a decrease, dropping from 99.0% to 98.3%, a 0.7% decline, while Steenbras Upper Dam experienced a more significant drop from 100.7% to 99.5%, a 1.2% decrease.
Theewaterskloof Dam also fell from 101.0% to 100.7%, a 0.3% reduction. Voëlvlei Dam dropped from 99.5% to 98.8%, marking a 0.7% decrease.
Wemmershoek Dam had a minor decline, falling from 100.2% to 99.9%.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall across the Western Cape was almost non-existent during this period, contributing to the observed changes in dam levels. Key rainfall readings include:
- Steenbras: 0.3 mm
- Voëlvlei: 0.2 mm
- All other monitored regions, including Blackheath Upper, Brooklands, Newlands, Table Mountain (Woodhead), Theewaterskloof, Tygerberg, Wemmershoek, and Wynberg, recorded no rainfall.
The lack of rain has influenced the decline in water levels, especially in minor dams like Kleinplaats, which experienced the most significant drop this week.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 30 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 100.9% | 100.0% | +0.9% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 98.3% | 99.0% | -0.7% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 99.5% | 100.7% | -1.2% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 100.7% | 101.0% | -0.3% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 98.8% | 99.5% | -0.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 99.9% | 100.2% | -0.3% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams presented more varied changes, with Kleinplaats Dam showing a substantial drop from 73.7% to 63.5%, a 10.2% decline. Land-en-Zeezicht and Lewis Gay Dams remained unchanged at 99.4% and 100.9%, respectively.
Notably, Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Victoria, and Woodhead dams did not have sufficient data the previous week, but current figures show that Alexandra stands at 85.2%, De Villiers at 100.9%, Hely-Hutchinson at 100.7%, Victoria at 101.9%, and Woodhead at 69.5%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 30 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 85.2% | No Data | No Data |
| De Villiers | 243 | 100.9% | No Data | No Data |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 100.7% | No Data | No Data |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 63.5% | 73.7% | -10.2% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 100.9% | 100.9% | 0.0% |
| Victoria | 128 | 101.9% | No Data | No Data |
| Woodhead | 954 | 69.5% | No Data | No Data |
Looking ahead, the dam levels in the Western Cape may continue to decline slightly if the dry conditions persist. However, with the major dams still above 98%, the region’s water supply remains stable.
Residents are encouraged to continue practising water conservation, as this will help maintain the current levels as the warmer and drier months approach.
Overall, the Western Cape’s dam storage remains strong, but the slight drop serves as a reminder of the need for careful water management, especially during periods of minimal rainfall.
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.
