As of Monday, 25 November 2024, the Western Cape’s dam levels fell to 97.3%, marking a 1.1% decrease from the previous week.
Story Summary:
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 25 November 2024
With minimal rainfall recorded in key catchment areas, both major and minor dams showed declining storage levels
Major dams experienced moderate reductions in water storage this week.
Berg River Dam decreased slightly from 98.9% to 98.1%, a drop of 0.8%. Steenbras Lower Dam recorded a more noticeable decline, falling from 93.2% to 89.9%, a 3.3% reduction.
Steenbras Upper Dam, however, increased slightly from 96.2% to 96.7%, a 0.5% rise. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest dam in the region, dropped from 98.0% to 97.1%, while Voëlvlei Dam declined from 101.0% to 99.7%.
Wemmershoek Dam saw a reduction from 97.6% to 95.6%, a 2.0% decrease.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall during this period was minimal, with Theewaterskloof receiving the highest amount at 4.3 mm.
Other areas, such as Table Mountain (Woodhead) and Wynberg, recorded small amounts of 1.0 mm and 2.5 mm respectively.
Most major catchment areas, including Voëlvlei and Steenbras, recorded no rainfall.
These dry conditions contributed to the steady declines in dam levels across the region.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 25 November 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 98.1% | 98.9% | -0.8% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 89.9% | 93.2% | -3.3% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 96.7% | 96.2% | +0.5% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 97.1% | 98.0% | -0.9% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 99.7% | 101.0% | -1.3% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 95.6% | 97.6% | -2.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams displayed larger fluctuations, with significant drops in some areas. Alexandra Dam decreased from 62.9% to 60.4%, a 2.5% decline, while Hely-Hutchinson Dam dropped from 58.5% to 55.7%, a 2.8% reduction.
Lewis Gay Dam recorded the largest drop among minor dams, falling from 73.2% to 59.1%, a steep 14.1% decrease. On the other hand, Land-en-Zeezicht Dam increased slightly from 97.8% to 98.5%, a 0.7% gain.
Woodhead Dam also showed a decline, dropping from 71.7% to 68.5%, a 3.2% reduction.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 25 November 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 60.4% | 62.9% | -2.5% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 84.9% | 86.2% | -1.3% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 55.7% | 58.5% | -2.8% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 52.8% | 54.9% | -2.1% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 98.5% | 97.8% | +0.7% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 59.1% | 73.2% | -14.1% |
| Victoria | 128 | 92.7% | 94.3% | -1.6% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 68.5% | 71.7% | -3.2% |
The Western Cape’s dam levels are continuing to trend downward due to dry weather and insufficient rainfall in key areas.
With storage levels at 97.3%, the region still maintains a robust supply but declines in minor dams, such as Lewis Gay and Hely-Hutchinson, cast a spotlight on the need for ongoing water conservation.
Without significant rainfall, further decreases in dam levels are likely 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.
