As of Monday, 3 June 2024, the Cape Town dam levels have decreased to 58.9%, reflecting a 0.4% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to % on Monday, 3 June 2024
Despite above-average early winter rainfall, the region continues to face challenges in maintaining adequate water storage levels.
The major dams, including Berg River, Steenbras Lower and Upper, Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek, recorded varied changes in their storage levels this week.
Berg River saw a slight increase from 70.1% to 70.4%, and Steenbras Lower decreased from 55.5% to 54.1%.
Steenbras Upper experienced a minor reduction from 80.1% to 79.7%, while Theewaterskloof dropped from 58.3% to 57.9%.
Voëlvlei and Wemmershoek also saw decreases, with Voëlvlei falling from 49.3% to 48.6% and Wemmershoek from 62.5% to 61.8%.
Rainfall recorded during this period was above average for early winter, with notable amounts in several areas. Newlands received 30.0 mm, Steenbras recorded 6.0 mm, and Table Mountain (Woodhead) noted 14.0 mm.
Theewaterskloof and Voëlvlei recorded 10.0 mm and 12.0 mm, respectively.
Despite this, the overall impact on dam levels was limited, indicating that more sustained rainfall is needed to significantly improve water storage.
A look at changes in major dams
Here’s a look at the major Cape Town dam levels as of Monday, 3 June 2024:
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 3 June 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 70.4% | 70.1% | +0.3% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 54.1% | 55.5% | -1.4% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 79.7% | 80.1% | -0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 57.9% | 58.3% | -0.4% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 48.6% | 49.3% | -0.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 61.8% | 62.5% | -0.7% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams displayed mixed results. Alexandra experienced a minor decrease from 34.6% to 34.4%, and De Villiers saw a slight increase from 84.2% to 85.1%.
Hely-Hutchinson remained at 0.0%, reflecting its ongoing critical status. Kleinplaats dropped from 41.2% to 40.8%, while Woodhead showed an improvement from 35.4% to 37.5%.
Other minor dams like Land-en-Zeezicht and Victoria remained stable or saw slight increases, highlighting the varied impact of recent rainfall.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 3 June 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 34.4% | 34.6% | -0.2% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 85.1% | 84.2% | +0.9% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 40.8% | 41.2% | -0.4% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 28.1% | 29.0% | -0.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | 74.6% | 73.7% | +0.9% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 37.5% | 35.4% | +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.