Cape Town dam levels experienced a decrease to 71.7% on Monday, 4 March 2024, a clear sign of the ongoing challenges the City faces in preserving water resources amid varying consumption patterns and environmental factors.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 71.7% on Monday, 4 March 2024
The City of Cape Town’s latest report marked a 1.7% reduction in dam levels from the previous week.
A combination of factors including high consumption rates, rainfall patterns, and poor water conservation measures influenced this week’s adjustment.
The average total daily water use was recorded at 986 million litres per day (MLD), slightly above the water stored in major dams.
A look at changes in major dams
The major dams, which are integral to the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS), showed varied levels of water storage.
The Berg River Dam, with a capacity of 130 010ml, reported a storage level of 76.4%, a slight decrease from the previous week’s 77.7%.
Similarly, the Steenbras Lower Dam saw its levels drop from 67.2% to 65.4%. In contrast, Theewaterskloof, the largest of these reservoirs, held 70.4% of its capacity, down from 71.9%.
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 4 March 2024:
Dam | % Full This Week | % Full Last Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 76.4% | 77.7% | -1.3% |
Steenbras Lower | 65.4% | 67.2% | -1.8% |
Steenbras Upper | 93.8% | 95.3% | -1.5% |
Theewaterskloof | 70.4% | 71.9% | -1.5% |
Voëlvlei | 66.3% | 68.8% | -2.5% |
Wemmershoek | 78.8% | 80.4% | -1.6% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams within the Cape Town area, which contribute to the city’s water supply albeit on a smaller scale, also experienced changes in their storage levels.
The De Villiers Dam on Table Mountain, for instance, showed a high storage percentage of 95.9%, albeit slightly lower than the previous week’s 96.7%.
The Hely-Hutchinson, maintaining a 0% storage level, underscores the variability in water availability across different catchment areas. Overall, the minor dams’ combined storage stood at 46.2%, demonstrating a decrease from the previous week’s 48.2%.
Dam | % Full This Week | % Full Last Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|
Alexandra | 37.8% | 39.1% | -1.3% |
De Villiers | 95.9% | 96.7% | -0.8% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Kleinplaats | 54.9% | 56.7% | -1.8% |
Land-en-zeezicht | 87.3% | 81.3% | +6% |
Lewis Gay | 34.3% | 43.6% | -9.3% |
Victoria | 70.8% | 72.7% | -1.9% |
Woodhead | 48.4% | 55.8% | -7.4% |
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.