As of Monday, 11 November 2024, dam levels across the Western Cape increased slightly to reach 99.5%, marking a 0.3% rise from the previous week.
Story Summary:
- Dam Levels Slightly Rise: Western Cape dam levels increased to 99.5% by 11 November 2024, with a 0.3% weekly gain.
- Rainfall Impact: Moderate rainfall in key areas, especially around Steenbras and Theewaterskloof, supported stable storage in major dams.
- Stable Water Outlook: Water storage remains robust, with residents advised to maintain water conservation as drier months approach.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 11 November 2024
Some rainfall in key areas has helped maintain strong storage levels in major dams, although minor dams recorded a mix of increases and declines.
The major dams displayed mostly stable or increasing storage levels this week.
Berg River Dam recorded a slight decrease, dropping from 100.1% to 99.8%, a minor reduction of 0.3%. Steenbras Lower saw an increase from 92.8% to 93.3%, up by 0.5%, while Steenbras Upper rose from 96.0% to 96.1%.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, edged up from 99.2% to 99.4%, a 0.2% rise. Voëlvlei Dam saw the most significant gain, rising from 100.5% to 101.7%, an increase of 1.2%.
Wemmershoek Dam had a minor decrease from 99.6% to 99.1%, down by 0.5%.
Rainfall Analysis
Some rainfall was recorded across various parts of the Western Cape during this period. Steenbras received the highest amount, with 10.0 mm, followed by Theewaterskloof with 8.2 mm and Wemmershoek with 7.0 mm.
Smaller amounts were noted in areas like Newlands (2.0 mm), Voëlvlei (1.0 mm), and Tygerberg (1.9 mm).
The rainfall, although moderate, helped contribute to the stability of storage levels, especially in major dams, which rely on consistent water sources for sustained capacity.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 11 November 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 99.8% | 100.1% | -0.3% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 93.3% | 92.8% | +0.5% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 96.1% | 96.0% | +0.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 99.4% | 99.2% | +0.2% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 101.7% | 100.5% | +1.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 99.1% | 99.6% | -0.5% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams exhibited more mixed changes. Alexandra Dam declined from 69.8% to 67.1%, a 2.7% decrease, while De Villiers recorded a more noticeable drop from 99.5% to 92.4%, a 7.1% decrease.
Hely-Hutchinson Dam fell from 70.1% to 65.9%, down by 4.2%, and Kleinplaats Dam also saw a decline, dropping from 58.7% to 55.4%.
In contrast, Woodhead Dam recorded an increase, rising from 70.6% to 71.1%, likely benefiting from water inflows rather than direct rainfall.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 11 November 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 67.1% | 69.8% | -2.7% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 92.4% | 99.5% | -7.1% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 65.9% | 70.1% | -4.2% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 55.4% | 58.7% | -3.3% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 97.5% | 98.9% | -1.4% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 88.2% | 90.4% | -2.2% |
| Victoria | 128 | 95.8% | 96.6% | -0.8% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 71.1% | 70.6% | +0.5% |
Looking forward, dam levels in the Western Cape are expected to remain stable, with major dams well above 90% capacity and moderate rainfall recorded in some areas.
The current water storage levels provide a solid buffer as the region approaches drier months. Minor dams, while experiencing some fluctuations, continue to provide sufficient water, though the variability highlights the importance of ongoing water conservation measures.
Overall, the region’s water supply remains resilient, and residents are encouraged to continue practising water-saving habits to ensure sustainability.
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.
