As of Monday, 18 November 2024, dam levels across the Western Cape fell slightly to 98.4%, representing a 1.1% decrease from the previous week.
Story Summary:
- Overall Decline in Dam Levels: Western Cape dam levels dropped to 98.4% as of 18 November 2024, with a 1.1% decrease from the previous week.
- Major vs. Minor Dams: Major dams remained mostly stable, with small declines, while minor dams experienced more significant reductions, including a 15.0% drop at Lewis Gay Dam.
- Rainfall Impact: Moderate rainfall in areas like Table Mountain (11.0 mm) and Theewaterskloof (10.3 mm) provided some stability, but not enough to offset declines in most minor dams.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 18 November 2024
Major dams showed small fluctuations over the week.
Berg River Dam recorded a decrease from 99.8% to 98.9%, down by 0.9%. Steenbras Lower and Upper Dams were mostly steady, with Steenbras Lower dipping slightly from 93.3% to 93.2% and Steenbras Upper increasing marginally from 96.1% to 96.2%.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, saw a more noticeable reduction, dropping from 99.4% to 98.0%, a 1.4% decline. Similarly, Voëlvlei Dam decreased from 101.7% to 101.0%, a drop of 0.7%.
Wemmershoek Dam also declined from 99.1% to 97.6%, a 1.5% decrease.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall was recorded in select regions, with the highest amounts observed at Table Mountain (11.0 mm) and Theewaterskloof (10.3 mm).
Moderate rainfall was also noted at Wemmershoek (7.0 mm) and Wynberg (6.0 mm).
However, key regions like Blackheath Upper and Brooklands reported no rainfall.
This limited precipitation helped stabilise storage in major dams but was insufficient to offset the declines in minor dams.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 18 November 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 98.9% | 99.8% | -0.9% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 93.2% | 93.3% | -0.1% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 96.2% | 96.1% | +0.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 98.0% | 99.4% | -1.4% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 101.0% | 101.7% | -0.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 97.6% | 99.1% | -1.5% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams displayed more significant changes.
Alexandra Dam dropped from 67.1% to 64.7%, a 2.4% reduction. Hely-Hutchinson experienced the largest drop, falling from 65.9% to 58.8%, a 7.1% decline.
Lewis Gay Dam showed a steep decline as well, dropping from 88.2% to 73.2%, down by 15.0%.
On the other hand, Woodhead Dam increased slightly, rising from 71.1% to 73.2%, likely due to targeted water transfers or localised rain.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 18 November 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 64.7% | 67.1% | -2.4% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 88.6% | 92.4% | -3.8% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 58.8% | 65.9% | -7.1% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 54.9% | 55.4% | -0.5% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 97.8% | 97.5% | +0.3% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 73.2% | 88.2% | -15.0% |
| Victoria | 128 | 95.4% | 95.8% | -0.4% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 73.2% | 71.1% | +2.1% |
With dam levels declining slightly, the Western Cape continues to experience the effects of dry conditions, particularly in minor dams, which remain more vulnerable to changes in rainfall and water use.
While major dams are maintaining robust storage levels above 90%, minor dams require ongoing monitoring to prevent further significant drops.
Looking ahead, if rainfall remains sporadic, further reductions in overall dam levels could occur, reinforcing the need for consistent water-saving practices.
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.
