As of Monday, 15 July 2024, Cape Town dam levels have increased dramatically to 93.9%, marking a substantial rise of 19.8% from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels rise to 93.9% on Monday, 15 July 2024
The major dams in the Western Cape have seen significant increases in water levels.
Berg River Dam experienced a notable rise from 95.7% to 103.0%, a 7.3% increase.
Steenbras Lower Dam increased dramatically from 77.6% to 103.4%, reflecting a 25.8% rise. Steenbras Upper Dam saw a 6.7% increase, moving from 93.7% to 100.4%.
Theewaterskloof Dam experienced a substantial increase from 70.1% to 97.0%, a 26.9% rise.
Voëlvlei Dam increased from 62.1% to 74.8%, a 12.7% rise, while Wemmershoek Dam saw a significant rise from 80.9% to 93.4%, a 12.5% increase.
Rainfall recorded during this period has been above average, contributing significantly to the increased dam levels. Notable rainfall recordings include:
- Blackheath Upper: 78.8 mm
- Brooklands: 132.9 mm
- Newlands: 289.5 mm
- Steenbras: 157.8 mm
- Table Mountain (Woodhead): 244.5 mm
- Theewaterskloof: 74.2 mm
- Tygerberg: 93.3 mm
- Voëlvlei: 101.1 mm
- Wemmershoek: 172.8 mm
- Wynberg: 186.4 mm
This above-average rainfall has positively impacted the region’s water storage, ensuring a steady increase in dam levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 15 July 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 103.0% | 95.7% | +7.3% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 103.4% | 77.6% | +25.8% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 100.4% | 93.7% | +6.7% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 97.0% | 70.1% | +26.9% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 74.8% | 62.1% | +12.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 93.4% | 80.9% | +12.5% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams also showed varied improvements, although data for some were unavailable this week.
Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, and Victoria dams did not have updated data.
However, Kleinplaats Dam increased slightly from 42.4% to 43.6%, a 1.2% rise.
Land-en-Zeezicht Dam remained stable at 99.4%. Lewis Gay Dam saw a substantial increase from 78.0% to 100.9%, a 22.9% rise. Woodhead Dam’s data was not available for the week.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 15 July 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | No Data | 59.2% | No Data |
| De Villiers | 243 | No Data | 100.2% | No Data |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | No Data | 59.4% | No Data |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 43.6% | 42.4% | +1.2% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 100.9% | 78.0% | +22.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | No Data | 102.3% | No Data |
| Woodhead | 954 | No Data | 86.6% | No Data |
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.
