As of the week ending Monday, 29 April 2024, Cape Town dam levels decreased to 63.1%, a further decline of 0.9% from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 63.1% on Monday, 29 April 2024
The major dams, which include Berg River, Steenbras Lower, Steenbras Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek, have all recorded a decline in water levels.
Notably, Berg River saw a reduction from 73.4% to 72.3%, and Theewaterskloof from 63.4% to 62.5%. Steenbras Lower also experienced a decrease from 60.2% to 59.2%.
The report from the City of Cape Town highlights the complete absence of rainfall over the past week across all monitored locations.
This ongoing dry spell has exacerbated water scarcity, leaving dam levels primarily dependent on consumption management and minor inflows from other sources.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 29 April 2024:
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 29 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Berg River | 130,010 | 73.4% | 73.7% | -0.3% |
Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 60.2% | 61.6% | -1.4% |
Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 80.3% | 81.0% | -0.7% |
Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 63.4% | 64.0% | -0.6% |
Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 54.3% | 56.5% | -2.2% |
Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 67.7% | 69.3% | -1.6% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
In contrast, minor dams also exhibited a general decrease in storage levels, with the overall percentage full dropping from 42.3% to 40.6%.
Specific dams like Woodhead saw a significant decline from 42.5% to 37.5%, and Lewis Gay decreased from 54.2% to 48.8%.
However, Land-en-Zeezicht marginally increased its water levels, demonstrating variability among the smaller reservoirs.
Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 29 April 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alexandra | 126 | 35.9% | 36.9% | -1.0% |
De Villiers | 243 | 83.4% | 83.8% | -0.4% |
Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 12.2% | -12.2% |
Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 42.1% | 42.6% | -0.5% |
Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 98.8% | 97.7% | +1.1% |
Lewis Gay | 182 | 54.2% | 59.8% | -5.6% |
Victoria | 128 | 71.4% | 72.0% | -0.6% |
Woodhead | 954 | 43.8% | 41.9% | +1.9% |
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.