The Western Cape’s total dam storage declined to 59.1% in the week ending Monday, 12 May 2025, dropping 0.6 percentage points compared to the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 12 May 2025
As cooler months settle in, water consumption remained high at an average of 868 million litres per day.
Most of the major dams showed small but consistent declines. Theewaterskloof, the largest dam, dropped from 60.0% to 59.2%, while Voëlvlei saw a slight decrease to 58.3%. Steenbras Lower showed the largest weekly drop at -1.2%.
Steenbras Upper, though still over 90% full, also declined by 0.8%. Berg River and Wemmershoek both saw marginal decreases of 0.4% each.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall in May so far has been moderate, with Wemmershoek recording 38.8 mm and Steenbras at 49.0 mm. Other locations like Voëlvlei and Newlands also received over 22 mm of rain each. However, cumulative totals remain below seasonal norms.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 12 May 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130010 | 60.5% | 60.9% | -0.4% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33517 | 41.9% | 43.1% | -1.2% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31767 | 90.4% | 91.2% | -0.8% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480188 | 59.2% | 60.0% | -0.8% |
| Voëlvlei | 164095 | 58.3% | 58.5% | -0.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58644 | 50.4% | 50.8% | -0.4% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams showed mixed results. Lewis Gay declined the most, falling by 2.6%. De Villiers also dropped by 0.9%, while Woodhead remained unchanged. Small increases were recorded at Hely-Hutchinson, Land-en-Zeezicht, Victoria, and Alexandra.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 12 May 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra (Table Mtn) | 126 | 31.5% | 31.3% | +0.2% |
| De Villiers (Table Mtn) | 243 | 36.6% | 37.5% | -0.9% |
| Hely-Hutchinson (Table Mtn) | 925 | 7.9% | 7.6% | +0.3% |
| Kleinplaats (Simon’s Town) | 1368 | 7.9% | 8.1% | -0.2% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht (Helderberg) | 451 | 72.0% | 71.8% | +0.2% |
| Lewis Gay (Simon’s Town) | 182 | 76.4% | 79.0% | -2.6% |
| Victoria (Table Mtn) | 128 | 76.6% | 75.9% | +0.7% |
| Woodhead (Table Mtn) | 954 | 49.5% | 49.5% | 0.0% |
If current rainfall trends continue, dam levels may stabilise or improve slightly in the coming weeks. However, high water consumption and slow inflows mean careful usage is still important.
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.
