As of Monday,7 October 2024, Cape Town dam levels have increased slightly, reaching 100.4%. This marks a 0.2% rise from the previous week, with water storage levels remaining strong across both major and minor dams despite minimal rainfall.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 7 October 2024
The major dams showed mixed results this week. Berg River Dam recorded a small decrease from 100.9% to 100.2%, a 0.7% drop.
Steenbras Lower Dam remained stable at 98.3%, while Steenbras Upper Dam experienced a decline from 99.5% to 98.4%, a 1.1% reduction.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, saw a slight increase from 100.7% to 101.4%, a 0.7% improvement. Voëlvlei Dam dropped from 98.8% to 98.6%, while Wemmershoek Dam rose slightly from 99.9% to 100.0%.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall across the Western Cape remained very low, with only Steenbras recording 0.5 mm of rain.
Other areas, including Blackheath Upper, Brooklands, Newlands, Theewaterskloof, and Voëlvlei, recorded no rainfall at all.
The minimal rainfall likely contributed to the mostly stable or declining water levels in some dams, particularly in the minor dams like Kleinplaats and Victoria, which saw the largest drops.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 7 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 100.2% | 100.9% | -0.7% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 98.3% | 98.3% | 0.0% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 98.4% | 99.5% | -1.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 101.4% | 100.7% | +0.7% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 98.6% | 98.8% | -0.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 100.0% | 99.9% | +0.1% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams showed more varied results, with Alexandra Dam increasing from 85.2% to 90.2%, a 5.0% rise.
Kleinplaats Dam continued its downward trend, falling from 63.5% to 63.0%. In contrast, Victoria Dam saw a decline from 101.9% to 100.4%, a 1.5% drop.
De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Land-en-Zeezicht, and Lewis Gay Dams all remained steady or experienced minor changes in water storage levels.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 7 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 90.2% | 85.2% | +5.0% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 100.2% | 100.9% | -0.7% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 100.0% | 100.7% | -0.7% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 63.0% | 63.5% | -0.5% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 100.9% | 100.9% | 0.0% |
| Victoria | 128 | 100.4% | 101.9% | -1.5% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 70.1% | 69.5% | +0.6% |
Looking forward, dam levels in the Western Cape are expected to remain relatively stable in the coming week, barring any significant changes in rainfall.
Although the region’s water storage remains strong, residents are encouraged to continue conserving water as the warmer, drier months approach.
The steady levels in major dams, combined with slight changes in minor dams, indicate that the Western Cape is in a stable water position for the time being.
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.