As of Monday, 28 October 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 99.0%, reflecting a 0.2% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels on Monday, 28 October 2024
The major dams presented mixed changes this week. Berg River Dam recorded a slight increase, rising from 99.6% to 101.1%, a 1.5% gain.
Steenbras Lower and Upper Dams showed decreases, with Steenbras Lower dropping from 93.9% to 91.9% (a 2.0% reduction) and Steenbras Upper decreasing from 95.4% to 96.7%, a 1.3% increase.
Theewaterskloof Dam experienced a slight drop from 99.9% to 99.4%, while Voëlvlei Dam remained stable at 98.3%.
Wemmershoek Dam fell from 99.7% to 98.6%, a 1.1% reduction.
Rainfall Analysis
No rainfall was recorded in the Western Cape during this week. Key areas such as Theewaterskloof, Steenbras, Voëlvlei, and Table Mountain (Woodhead) all reported 0.0 mm of rainfall.
The ongoing dry conditions contributed to the observed declines in water levels, particularly in minor dams more sensitive to seasonal changes and external water management.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 28 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 101.1% | 99.6% | +1.5% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 91.9% | 93.9% | -2.0% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 96.7% | 95.4% | +1.3% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 99.4% | 99.9% | -0.5% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 98.3% | 98.3% | 0.0% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 98.6% | 99.7% | -1.1% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams showed larger shifts, with Alexandra Dam dropping from 76.5% to 72.8%, a 3.7% decrease.
Woodhead Dam experienced the most notable change, increasing significantly from 47.6% to 68.5%, a 20.9% rise, likely due to water transfers rather than rainfall.
Hely-Hutchinson recorded a steep drop from 98.8% to 75.5%, a 23.3% reduction.
Other minor dams like Lewis Gay and Kleinplaats showed declines, with Lewis Gay dropping from 91.2% to 86.5% and Kleinplaats decreasing from 61.9% to 58.7%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 28 October 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 72.8% | 76.5% | -3.7% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 98.1% | 98.8% | -0.7% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 75.5% | 98.8% | -23.3% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 58.7% | 61.9% | -3.2% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 86.5% | 91.2% | -4.7% |
| Victoria | 128 | 98.5% | 97.3% | +1.2% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 68.5% | 47.6% | +20.9% |
Looking ahead, the lack of rainfall may continue to influence minor declines in dam levels if dry conditions persist.
However, the overall water supply remains robust, with major dams well above 90% capacity, ensuring adequate supply for the region’s needs.
Residents are encouraged to continue water conservation practices, especially as the region progresses into the warmer months.
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.
