The Western Cape’s total dam storage decreased to 83.8% for the week ending Monday, 20 January 2025, reflecting a 2.5% drop from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 20 January 2025
The decline, driven by continued high water consumption and limited rainfall in catchment areas, highlights the ongoing pressure on the province’s water resources.
Major dams across the region recorded significant drops in storage. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the province, fell from 85.9% to 83.4%, marking a 2.5% decline. Voëlvlei Dam saw a larger reduction, dropping from 87.7% to 84.1% (-3.6%). Berg River Dam also experienced a decline, falling from 87.6% to 86.4% (-1.2%).
Wemmershoek Dam recorded a drop from 80.8% to 78.3%, while Steenbras Lower Dam decreased from 79.0% to 76.7% (-2.3%). Steenbras Upper Dam experienced a minor reduction, decreasing from 96.6% to 96.3%.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall across key catchment areas was limited, with most regions recording little to no precipitation. Table Mountain (Woodhead) received the highest rainfall at 24.0 mm, while Steenbras, Theewaterskloof, and Voëlvlei dams received no measurable rain.
The dry conditions are a primary factor behind the consistent declines in dam storage.
A look at changes in major dams
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams recorded mixed results, with some significant changes observed. Alexandra Dam dropped slightly, from 46.7% to 44.9%(-1.8%), while Kleinplaats Dam fell from 36.5% to 32.2%, marking a 4.3% decline. Woodhead Dam experienced the largest drop among minor dams, decreasing from 58.3% to 49.0%, a substantial 9.3% reduction.
In contrast, Lewis Gay Dam saw a sharp increase, rising from 56.7% to 76.4% (+19.7%). Hely-Hutchinson Dam recorded a smaller increase, rising from 60.6% to 61.0% (+0.4%). Victoria Dam declined from 95.0% to 92.7%, while Land-en-Zeezicht remained stable at 90.9%.
Western Cape dam levels continue to drop, now at 83.8%, with no significant rainfall recorded in most areas. Without substantial precipitation, further reductions are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Residents are urged to maintain water-saving measures to support the region’s water supply during this challenging period.
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.