The Western Cape’s total dam storage fell to 80.0% for the week ending 3 February 2025, marking a 1.9% decline from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 3 February 2025
All major dams in the province recorded declines over the past week.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the Western Cape, fell from 81.8% to 79.9%, a 1.9% drop. Voëlvlei Dam recorded a 2.0% decline, reducing from 81.9% to 79.9%.
Berg River Dam saw a 2.2% decrease, dropping from 83.4% to 81.2%. Wemmershoek Dam recorded the largest decline, falling from 76.2% to 73.9%, a 2.3% decrease.
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Steenbras Lower Dam also saw a drop from 72.9% to 71.7% (-1.2%), while Steenbras Upper Dam decreased slightly from 96.1% to 95.7%.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall was limited in most catchment areas. Table Mountain (Woodhead) received the highest rainfall at 12.0 mm, while Steenbras recorded 4.0 mm.
Key reservoirs such as Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Blackheath Upper received no rainfall, contributing to the ongoing decrease in water levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 3 February 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 81.2% | 83.4% | -2.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 71.7% | 72.9% | -1.2% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 95.7% | 96.1% | -0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 79.9% | 81.8% | -1.9% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 79.9% | 81.9% | -2.0% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 73.9% | 76.2% | -2.3% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Storage levels in minor dams varied. Alexandra Dam declined from 42.7% to 41.8% (-0.9%), while Kleinplaats Dam saw a sharp reduction from 25.4% to 21.1% (-4.3%). Land-en-Zeezicht Dam also dropped significantly from 90.8% to 86.4% (-4.4%).
On the other hand, Woodhead Dam increased from 41.3% to 44.3% (+3.0%), and De Villiers Dam saw a slight improvement, rising from 91.3% to 91.9%. Lewis Gay Dam remained stable at 87.7%, while Victoria Dam held at 90.0%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 3 February 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 41.8% | 42.7% | -0.9% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 91.9% | 91.3% | +0.6% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 57.7% | 60.2% | -2.5% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 21.1% | 25.4% | -4.3% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 86.4% | 90.8% | -4.4% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 87.7% | 87.4% | +0.3% |
| Victoria | 128 | 90.0% | 90.0% | 0.0% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 44.3% | 41.3% | +3.0% |
Western Cape dam levels continue to decline, now standing at 80.0%.
With no significant rainfall in key areas, further reductions are expected in the coming weeks. Water conservation remains critical as demand stays high and natural replenishment remains minimal.
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.
