As of Monday, 14 October 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased slightly, with total storage sitting at 99.8%. This marks a 0.6% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 14 October 2024
The major dams recorded mostly minor changes this week.
Berg River Dam decreased from 100.2% to 99.9%, a 0.3% drop. Steenbras Lower Dam saw a more notable decrease from 98.3% to 95.1%, a 3.2% decline, while Steenbras Upper dropped from 98.4% to 97.8%, a 0.6% reduction.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the region’s largest, fell from 101.4% to 100.5%, a 0.9% decline. Meanwhile, Voëlvlei Dam increased slightly from 98.6% to 99.1%, a 0.5% rise.
Wemmershoek Dam remained stable at 100%.
Rainfall Impact
No rainfall was recorded during this week in any of the monitored regions.
Key areas such as Blackheath Upper, Brooklands, Theewaterskloof, Steenbras, and Table Mountain (Woodhead) all reported 0.0 mm of rainfall.
This absence of rain directly contributed to the decline in dam levels, especially in minor dams that are more sensitive to changes in water inflow.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 14 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 99.9% | 100.2% | -0.3% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 95.1% | 98.3% | -3.2% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 97.8% | 98.4% | -0.6% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 100.5% | 101.4% | -0.9% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 99.1% | 98.6% | +0.5% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 0.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams experienced more significant fluctuations.
Alexandra Dam dropped sharply from 89.2% to 80.8%, an 8.4% decline. Kleinplaats Dam also saw a drop, falling from 63.0% to 61.9%. Woodhead Dam recorded the largest decrease, dropping from 70.1% to 58.7%, a significant 11.4% reduction.
On the other hand, De Villiers and Victoria Dams showed slight increases, with De Villiers rising from 99.5% to 100.2% and Victoria decreasing slightly from 100.4% to 99.6%.
Lewis Gay Dam dropped by 5.9%, from 100.9% to 95.0%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 14 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 80.8% | 89.2% | -8.4% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 100.2% | 99.5% | +0.7% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 99.3% | 100.0% | -0.7% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 61.9% | 63.0% | -1.1% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 95.0% | 100.9% | -5.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | 99.6% | 100.4% | -0.8% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 58.7% | 70.1% | -11.4% |
Looking ahead, the trend suggests that dam levels in the Western Cape may continue to decline slightly if dry conditions persist.
While the overall water supply remains stable, residents need to continue practising water conservation as the warmer, drier months approach.
Despite the lack of rainfall, major dams remain above 95%, ensuring sufficient water availability for the region.
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.
