Western Cape dam levels dropped to 93.2% for the week ending Monday, 16 December 2024, showing a weekly decline of 1.2%.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 16 December 2024
Major dams in the Western Cape experienced moderate declines this week. Berg River Dam fell from 95.0% to 93.8%, recording a 1.2% decrease.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the province, also declined from 93.9% to 92.7%, marking a similar drop of 1.2%.
Voëlvlei Dam saw the largest reduction among the major dams, decreasing from 97.1% to 95.3%, a loss of 1.8%.
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Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall across the Western Cape’s catchment areas was limited.
Table Mountain (Woodhead) received the highest rainfall, recording 5.0 mm, followed by Steenbras with 4.5 mm.
Other critical regions, such as Theewaterskloof and Voëlvlei, recorded no significant rainfall, contributing to the consistent decline in dam levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 16 December 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 93.8% | 95.0% | -1.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 87.9% | 88.4% | -0.5% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 97.3% | 96.9% | +0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 92.7% | 93.9% | -1.2% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 95.3% | 97.1% | -1.8% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 89.8% | 91.3% | -1.5% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams recorded more significant fluctuations. Alexandra Dam dropped slightly from 58.1% to 57.2% (-0.9%), while Kleinplaats Dam decreased from 51.4% to 49.4% (-2.0%).
Lewis Gay Dam recorded the most significant reduction, falling sharply from 29.3% to 23.0% (-6.3%).
On the positive side, De Villiers Dam saw a notable increase, rising from 86.4% to 91.1% (+4.7%). Land-en-Zeezicht Dam maintained full capacity at 100.0% for the second consecutive week.
Victoria Dam fell slightly from 100.0% to 99.3% (-0.7%), and Woodhead Dam declined minimally from 62.2% to 62.0% (-0.2%).
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 16 December 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 57.2% | 58.1% | -0.9% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 91.1% | 86.4% | +4.7% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 76.3% | 78.3% | -2.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 49.4% | 51.4% | -2.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 23.0% | 29.3% | -6.3% |
| Victoria | 128 | 99.3% | 100.0% | -0.7% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 62.0% | 62.2% | -0.2% |
The Western Cape’s dam levels continue to decline, now standing at 93.2%. Limited rainfall and ongoing water consumption are key contributors to the downward trend. If dry conditions persist, further decreases are expected in the coming weeks.
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.
