As of Monday, 20 May 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 59.9%, showing a 1.4% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 59.9% on Monday, 20 May 2024
The major dams, including Berg River, Steenbras Lower, Steenbras Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek, all recorded declines in water levels this week.
Berg River saw a decrease from 71.1% to 70.6%, and Theewaterskloof dropped from 60.8% to 58.7%.
Steenbras Lower experienced a reduction from 56.6% to 55.1%, while Wemmershoek decreased from 64.8% to 63.7%.
These changes indicate a widespread decrease in water storage across the primary reservoirs.
Rainfall recorded during this period remained minimal, providing insufficient relief to the declining dam levels.
Areas such as Newlands and Table Mountain (Woodhead) recorded only minor showers, which were not enough to counteract the overall trend of decreasing water levels.
This lack of significant rainfall continues to challenge water resource management in the region.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 20 May 2024:
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 20 May 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 70.6% | 71.1% | -0.5% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 55.1% | 56.6% | -1.5% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 80.2% | 80.1% | +0.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 58.7% | 60.8% | -2.1% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 50.2% | 51.2% | -1.0% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 63.7% | 64.8% | -1.1% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams also experienced reductions in water levels, dropping overall from 40.5% to 39.7%.
Notable changes include a decline in Woodhead from 39.5% to 37.4% and Lewis Gay from 34.1% to 28.5%.
Despite these declines, some dams, like De Villiers and Victoria, showed resilience with minimal changes or slight increases.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 20 May 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 35.2% | 35.8% | -0.6% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 83.1% | 82.9% | +0.2% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 40.1% | 40.4% | -0.3% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 28.5% | 34.1% | -5.6% |
| Victoria | 128 | 73.7% | 74.3% | -0.6% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 37.4% | 39.5% | -2.1% |
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.
