The Western Cape’s total dam storage dropped to 94.6% for the week ending Monday, 9 December 2024, a 1.6% decrease from the previous week. Dry conditions, coupled with minimal rainfall in key catchment areas, have resulted in declines across both major and minor dams.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 9 December 2024
Major dams experienced notable reductions in water storage levels. Berg River Dam dropped from 96.9% to 95.3%, a 1.6% decline.
Steenbras Lower Dam fell from 90.5% to 88.7%, a 1.8% decrease. Steenbras Upper Dam, however, saw a slight rise, increasing from 97.1% to 97.5%.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, recorded a drop from 95.7% to 94.1%, a 1.6% reduction.
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Voëlvlei Dam also declined, moving from 98.9% to 97.2%, and Wemmershoek Dam saw the largest decrease among major dams, falling from 93.4% to 91.4%, a 2.0% decline.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall was uneven across the region, with areas like Steenbras receiving 18.0 mm and Table Mountain (Woodhead) recording 13.0 mm. Other areas, such as Blackheath Upper (0.9 mm) and Brooklands (4.0 mm), saw smaller amounts.
Key dams, including Theewaterskloof and Voëlvlei, received little to no rain, contributing to declining storage levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 9 December 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 95.3% | 96.9% | -1.6% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 88.7% | 90.5% | -1.8% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 97.5% | 97.1% | +0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 94.1% | 95.7% | -1.6% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 97.2% | 98.9% | -1.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 91.4% | 93.4% | -2.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams showed a mix of significant changes. Alexandra Dam fell slightly, from 58.6% to 57.5%, a 1.1% drop. Lewis Gay Dam experienced the steepest decline, falling sharply from 46.8% to 31.0%, a 15.8% reduction.
Conversely, Hely-Hutchinson Dam increased significantly, rising from 58.7% to 76.6%, a 17.9% gain. Land-en-Zeezicht Dam also showed improvement, rising from 98.8% to 100.0%.
Woodhead Dam increased marginally from 63.8% to 64.2%, while Victoria Dam rose slightly from 92.0% to 92.3%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 9 December 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 57.5% | 58.6% | -1.1% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 86.6% | 86.6% | 0.0% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 76.6% | 58.7% | +17.9% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 51.4% | 52.8% | -1.4% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 100.0% | 98.8% | +1.2% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 31.0% | 46.8% | -15.8% |
| Victoria | 128 | 92.3% | 92.0% | +0.3% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 64.2% | 63.8% | +0.4% |
The Western Cape’s dam levels continue to decline, with overall storage falling to 94.6%. While localised rainfall in areas such as Steenbras and Hely-Hutchinson provided some relief, insufficient rain in key catchment areas has left major and minor dams vulnerable to further reductions.
If dry conditions persist, dam levels are likely to decrease further 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.
