As of Monday, 9 September 2024, Cape Town dam levels have decreased slightly to 101.7%, reflecting a 1.4% drop from the previous week.
Cape Town dam levels drop to 101.7% on Monday, 9 September 2024
This week’s dam levels show varying changes in both major and minor dams.
Berg River Dam dropped slightly from 100.6% to 100.2%, a 0.4% decrease. Steenbras Lower Dam experienced a larger decline from 102.5% to 101.3%, a 1.2% drop.
Steenbras Upper Dam fell from 101.3% to 100.8%, reflecting a smaller 0.5% decrease.
Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest dam in the region, saw a more significant drop from 104.2% to 102.2%, a 2.0% decline.
Voëlvlei Dam also fell from 103.6% to 101.9%, a 1.7% drop, while Wemmershoek Dam remained steady at 99.9%, showing no change from the previous week.
Rainfall Impact
Rainfall during this period was minimal, contributing to the slight decline in water storage levels. Key rainfall figures included:
- Blackheath Upper: 0.0 mm
- Brooklands: 2.0 mm
- Newlands: 1.0 mm
- Steenbras: 3.6 mm
- Table Mountain (Woodhead): 1.7 mm
- Theewaterskloof: 1.8 mm
- Tygerberg: 1.6 mm
- Voëlvlei: 0.4 mm
- Wemmershoek: 1.2 mm
- Wynberg: 0.0 mm
The very low rainfall across the region explains the decrease in dam levels, especially for the larger dams.
However, minor dams like Kleinplaats benefitted from localised rainfall or inflows, resulting in an increase in storage.
Looking ahead, dam levels are likely to remain stable or decline slightly in the coming week, depending on rainfall patterns.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 9 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 100.2% | 100.6% | -0.4% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 101.3% | 102.5% | -1.2% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 100.8% | 101.3% | -0.5% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 102.2% | 104.2% | -2.0% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 101.9% | 103.6% | -1.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 99.9% | 99.9% | 0.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The minor dams exhibited similar trends. Kleinplaats Dam saw a positive increase, rising from 93.6% to 98.0%, a 4.4% improvement.
Land-en-Zeezicht and Lewis Gay Dams both remained stable at 99.4% and 100.9%, respectively.
Several minor dams, including Alexandra, De Villiers, Hely-Hutchinson, Victoria, and Woodhead, had no or incomplete data, making it difficult to assess their current levels.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 9 September 2024 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 100.0% | No Data | No Data |
| De Villiers | 243 | 99.1% | No Data | No Data |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 99.0% | No Data | No Data |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 98.0% | 93.6% | +4.4% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 99.4% | 99.4% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 100.9% | 100.9% | 0.0% |
| Victoria | 128 | 98.9% | No Data | No Data |
| Woodhead | 954 | 86.7% | 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.