The Western Cape’s total dam storage dropped to 96.2% for the week ending Monday, 2 December 2024, a 1.1% decrease from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 2 December 2024
Major dams experienced mostly moderate decreases in storage levels. Berg River Dam fell from 98.1% to 96.9%, a drop of 1.2%.
Steenbras Lower and Steenbras Upper Dams, however, recorded slight increases, with Steenbras Lower rising from 89.9% to 90.5% and Steenbras Upper from 96.7% to 97.1%.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, decreased from 97.1% to 95.7%, a 1.4% reduction. Voëlvlei Dam also declined, falling from 99.7% to 98.9%.
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Wemmershoek Dam showed the largest drop among major dams, reducing from 95.6% to 93.4%, a 2.2% decrease.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall was sparse across the region, with most areas reporting minimal precipitation.
Table Mountain (Woodhead) received the highest amount, recording 16.0 mm, while Newlands and Wynberg had 5.5 mm and 5.0 mm respectively.
Key catchment areas like Theewaterskloof and Voëlvlei recorded no rainfall, contributing to the general decline in dam levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 2 December 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 96.9% | 98.1% | -1.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 90.5% | 89.9% | +0.6% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 97.1% | 96.7% | +0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 95.7% | 97.1% | -1.4% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 98.9% | 99.7% | -0.8% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 93.4% | 95.6% | -2.2% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams displayed a mix of changes, with some experiencing notable reductions while others saw slight gains.
Alexandra Dam fell from 60.6% to 58.6%, a 2.0% drop. Lewis Gay Dam recorded the steepest decline, falling from 59.1% to 46.8%, a significant 12.3% reduction.
In contrast, Hely-Hutchinson Dam increased from 55.6% to 58.7%, a 3.1% rise, while De Villiers Dam rose from 85.0% to 86.6%, a 1.6% gain.
Woodhead Dam fell from 66.1% to 63.8%, a 2.3% decrease, and Victoria Dam saw a slight reduction from 93.1% to 92.0%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 2 December 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 58.6% | 60.6% | -2.0% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 86.6% | 85.0% | +1.6% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 58.7% | 55.6% | +3.1% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 52.8% | 52.8% | 0.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 98.8% | 98.5% | +0.3% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 46.8% | 59.1% | -12.3% |
| Victoria | 128 | 92.0% | 93.1% | -1.1% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 63.8% | 66.1% | -2.3% |
The Western Cape’s dam levels are expected to continue declining in the coming weeks if current dry conditions persist.
With storage levels at 96.2%, the region remains well-supplied, but ongoing reductions in minor dams such as Lewis Gay underscore the need for consistent water-saving efforts.
Unless rainfall increases significantly, further decreases in storage levels across the region are likely.
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.
