The Western Cape’s total dam storage declined to 67.6% for the week ending Monday, 17 March 2025, a 1.7% decrease from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 17 March 2025
Most major dams recorded a decrease in storage levels. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the province, fell from 69.1% to 67.8%, marking a 1.3% drop. Voëlvlei Dam declined from 68.7% to 66.7%, while Berg River Dam saw a 2.1% decrease, dropping from 70.1% to 68.0%.
Steenbras Lower Dam recorded the biggest drop among major dams, falling from 60.6% to 56.5%, a 4.1% decrease. Wemmershoek Dam declined from 61.8% to 59.4% (-2.4%), while Steenbras Upper Dam saw a minor decrease from 93.7% to 93.1% (-0.6%).
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall remained very low in key catchment areas. Steenbras received just 0.1 mm, while Theewaterskloof recorded 8.4 mm. No rainfall was recorded at Voëlvlei, Blackheath Upper, Newlands, or Wemmershoek. The lack of rainfall is contributing to the steady decline in dam levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 17 March 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 68.0% | 70.1% | -2.1% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 56.5% | 60.6% | -4.1% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 93.1% | 93.7% | -0.6% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 67.8% | 69.1% | -1.3% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 66.7% | 68.7% | -2.0% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 59.4% | 61.8% | -2.4% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams also experienced declining water levels. Alexandra Dam fell from 33.9% to 33.2% (-0.7%), and Kleinplaats Dam dropped from 15.4% to 13.3% (-2.1%). Woodhead Dam recorded the largest drop among minor dams, falling from 57.1% to 49.9%, a 7.2% decrease.
Lewis Gay Dam saw a small drop from 92.6% to 91.7% (-0.9%), while Victoria Dam declined from 82.7% to 80.3%(-2.4%). Hely-Hutchinson Dam remained at 0.0%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 17 March 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 33.2% | 33.9% | -0.7% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 90.5% | 91.1% | -0.6% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 13.3% | 15.4% | -2.1% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 74.4% | 74.9% | -0.5% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 91.7% | 92.6% | -0.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | 80.3% | 82.7% | -2.4% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 49.9% | 57.1% | -7.2% |
With dam levels now at 67.6%, continued declines are likely if dry conditions persist.
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.
