The Western Cape’s total dam storage declined to 78.1% for the week ending Monday, 10 February 2025, a 1.9% drop from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 10 February 2025
Water levels continue to fall due to low rainfall and high daily consumption. Both major and minor dams recorded decreases, with some experiencing significant losses.
Most major dams in the province saw a decline in storage this past week. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the Western Cape, fell from 79.9% to 78.4%, a 1.5% drop. Voëlvlei Dam recorded a 2.8% decrease, falling from 79.9% to 77.1%.
Berg River Dam declined from 81.2% to 79.0%, a 2.2% drop. Wemmershoek Dam recorded a decrease from 73.9% to 71.5%, while Steenbras Lower Dam dropped from 71.7% to 69.4% (-2.3%). Steenbras Upper Dam recorded a slight decrease, from 95.7% to 95.2% (-0.5%).
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall was minimal across key areas. Table Mountain (Woodhead) recorded 0.0 mm, Steenbras received 2.0 mm, and Newlands reported 0.2 mm.
Other major dams, including Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, and Wemmershoek, received no measurable rainfall, contributing to the continued decline in storage levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 10 February 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 79.0% | 81.2% | -2.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 69.4% | 71.7% | -2.3% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 95.2% | 95.7% | -0.5% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 78.4% | 79.9% | -1.5% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 77.1% | 79.9% | -2.8% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 71.5% | 73.9% | -2.4% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams showed mixed results, with some recording significant drops. Alexandra Dam fell from 41.8% to 39.5%(-2.3%), while Land-en-Zeezicht Dam declined from 86.4% to 81.3% (-5.1%). Lewis Gay Dam dropped from 87.7% to 78.0% (-9.7%).
Hely-Hutchinson Dam experienced the most significant drop, falling sharply from 57.7% to 21.5%, a 36.2% decrease. In contrast, Woodhead Dam recorded a sharp increase, rising from 44.3% to 73.8% (+29.5%).
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 10 February 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 39.5% | 41.8% | -2.3% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 92.0% | 91.9% | +0.1% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 21.5% | 57.7% | -36.2% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 24.5% | 21.1% | +3.4% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 81.3% | 86.4% | -5.1% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 78.0% | 87.7% | -9.7% |
| Victoria | 128 | 88.9% | 90.0% | -1.1% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 73.8% | 44.3% | +29.5% |
With dam levels now at 78.1%, further decreases are expected if dry conditions continue. The lack of rainfall and high daily consumption are key factors behind the declining water levels.
Water conservation remains essential to ensure a stable water supply in the coming weeks.
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.
