The Western Cape’s total dam storage level dropped to 62.8% in the week ending Monday, 14 April 2025, down from 63.6% the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 14 April 2025
The decrease comes after another dry period, with only light rainfall recorded across parts of the province.
Most major dams reported lower storage levels. Steenbras Lower recorded the biggest drop of 2.3%, now at 47.5%.
Theewaterskloof, the province’s largest dam, declined by 1.1% to 63.4%. Wemmershoek decreased slightly by 0.6%, and Berg River dropped by 0.4%.
Voëlvlei remained unchanged at 61.7%. Steenbras Upper showed a minor increase of 0.1%, now at 92.9%.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall across the Western Cape remained low. The highest total recorded was 20.5 mm in Newlands. Theewaterskloof saw 13.0 mm, while Woodhead recorded 7.0 mm. Other catchments such as Steenbras and Voëlvlei received less than 10 mm, and several stations reported no rainfall at all.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 14 April 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130010 | 63.2% | 63.6% | -0.4% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33517 | 47.5% | 49.8% | -2.3% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31767 | 92.9% | 92.8% | +0.1% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480188 | 63.4% | 64.5% | -1.1% |
| Voëlvlei | 164095 | 61.7% | 61.7% | 0.0% |
| Wemmershoek | 58644 | 53.5% | 54.1% | -0.6% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Among the minor dams, the most notable decrease occurred in De Villiers Dam, which fell by 7.1% to 73.6%. Lewis Gay Dam also declined, dropping from 92.3% to 91.4%. On the other hand, Woodhead rose by 3.5%, and Alexandra increased by 1.3%.
Other minor dams such as Victoria, Kleinplaats, and Hely-Hutchinson saw slight gains, with the latter recording water after previously being empty.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 14 April 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 32.2% | 30.9% | +1.3% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 73.6% | 80.7% | -7.1% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 5.0% | 0.0% | +5.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1368 | 8.4% | 8.3% | +0.1% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 71.8% | 71.8% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 91.4% | 92.3% | -0.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | 78.6% | 77.9% | +0.7% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 49.1% | 45.6% | +3.5% |
Despite isolated showers, dam levels across the Western Cape continued to fall. With the region now entering a cooler and traditionally wetter season, more significant rainfall is needed to reverse the decline in water storage.
The short-term outlook remains cautious unless rainfall levels improve notably 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.
