This Monday, Cape Town dam levels reported a noticeable decline, standing at 76.9% after a 1.8% drop.
Cape Town dam levels: Another week of high consumption sees 1.8% drop
It seems like our water sources are playing hard to keep up with the demand, reminding everyone of the importance of cautious consumption.
The major players, our six major dams, show a varied state of affairs. Berg River is holding up relatively well at 80.2%, while Steenbras Lower could use a boost at 70.5%.
Steenbras Upper, almost full at 95.9%, contrasts sharply with Theewaterskloof, which is at a worrying 75.5%. Voëlvlei and Wemmershoek aren’t faring much better, at 72.9% and 85.5% respectively.
Here is a comparative look at this week’s Cape Town dam levels:
| Dam | Capacity (Ml) | % Full | Last Week | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 80.2% | 81.7% | -1.5% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 70.5% | 71.9% | -1.4% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 95.9% | 96.0% | -0.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 75.5% | 77.3% | -1.8% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 72.9% | 74.7% | -1.8% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 85.5% | 89.0% | -3.5% |
Meanwhile, the minor dams report a collective level of 55.4%, signalling a broader concern across the board.
What’s behind the thirsty trend? A combination of factors: sporadic early winter rains that didn’t quite hit the mark, coupled with daily water use inching up to 980 million litres.
It’s a classic case of supply struggling to meet an ever-growing demand, underpinned by the vagaries of weather and human consumption patterns.
In short, the Western Cape’s water reservoirs are sending a clear message: conservation is key, and every drop counts. Let’s keep that in mind as we navigate through the dry spells and do our part in ensuring a sustainable water future.