As of 2 September 2024, Cape Town dam levels have increased slightly to 103.1%, reflecting a 1.0% rise from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels rise to 103.1% on Monday, 2 September 2024
The major dams in the Western Cape showed mixed results this week. Berg River Dam experienced a small decrease from 101.1% to 100.6%, a 0.5% drop.
Steenbras Lower Dam saw a slight increase from 102.2% to 102.5%, a 0.3% rise, while Steenbras Upper Dam showed a more significant increase from 99.9% to 101.3%, a 1.4% rise.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the region, increased from 102.3% to 104.2%, a 1.9% rise.
Voëlvlei Dam remained stable at 103.6%, showing no change from the previous week, while Wemmershoek Dam also remained unchanged at 99.9%.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall across the region was generally low this week, which has contributed to the mixed changes in dam levels. The recorded rainfall included:
- Blackheath Upper: 12.0 mm
- Brooklands: 20.0 mm
- Newlands: 60.0 mm
- Steenbras: 8.0 mm
- Table Mountain (Woodhead): 0.0 mm
- Theewaterskloof: 7.2 mm
- Tygerberg: 11.0 mm
- Voëlvlei: 2.0 mm
- Wemmershoek: 38.9 mm
- Wynberg: 28.0 mm
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 2 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 100.6% | 101.1% | -0.5% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 102.5% | 102.2% | +0.3% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 101.3% | 99.9% | +1.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 104.2% | 102.3% | +1.9% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 103.6% | 103.6% | 0.0% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 99.9% | 99.9% | 0.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams presented mixed outcomes as well.
Kleinplaats Dam saw a decrease from 98.0% to 93.6%, a 4.4% drop. Land-en-Zeezicht and Lewis Gay Dams remained stable at 99.4% and 100.9%, respectively.
However, data for Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Victoria, and Woodhead dams were not available this week, making it challenging to assess their status.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 2 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| De Villiers | 243 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 93.6% | 98.0% | -4.4% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 100.9% | 100.9% | 0.0% |
| Victoria | 128 | No Data | No Data | No Data |
| Woodhead | 954 | No Data | No Data | 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.