Western Cape dam levels dropped slightly in the week ending Monday, 19 May 2025.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 19 May 2025
The total average storage across the province was recorded at 59.0%, reflecting a weekly decline of 0.5 percentage points. Daily water consumption averaged 828 million litres, down from the previous week’s usage.
The major dams in the Western Cape Water Supply System mostly recorded marginal decreases in water levels, with the exception of the Berg River Dam, which increased by 1.2%. Steenbras Lower Dam saw the biggest drop, falling by 2.2%.
Steenbras Upper also declined slightly, although it remains high at 90.0%. Theewaterskloof and Voëlvlei dropped by 0.7% and 0.6% respectively, and Wemmershoek dipped by 0.3%.
These changes indicate a continuing strain on larger supply systems despite some inflow from early winter rains.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall during May 2025 has provided moderate relief, especially in central mountain regions. Newlands recorded the highest total at 210 mm, followed by Woodhead on Table Mountain at 188.7 mm.
Brooklands registered 107.1 mm, with Steenbras and Theewaterskloof also seeing regular rainfall. These contributions are important for sustaining inflows but have not been enough to reverse the gradual declines.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 19 May 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130010 | 61.7% | 60.5% | +1.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33517 | 39.7% | 41.9% | -2.2% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31767 | 90.0% | 90.4% | -0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480188 | 59.2% | 59.9% | -0.7% |
| Voëlvlei | 164095 | 57.7% | 58.3% | -0.6% |
| Wemmershoek | 58644 | 50.1% | 50.4% | -0.3% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams showed more varied results. Lewis Gay Dam recorded a notable increase of 21.3%, likely due to improved catchment rainfall. Alexandra, De Villiers, and Hely-Hutchinson dams also increased, with De Villiers up by 3.2%.
However, Victoria Dam dropped significantly by 28.8%, and Kleinplaats declined by 2.0%. Most of the remaining dams remained relatively stable with minor changes.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 19 May 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra (Table Mountain) | 126 | 36.4% | 34.5% | +1.9% |
| De Villiers (Table Mountain) | 243 | 42.6% | 39.4% | +3.2% |
| Hely-Hutchinson (Table Mountain) | 925 | 12.0% | 11.0% | +1.0% |
| Kleinplaats (Simon’s Town) | 1368 | 5.9% | 7.9% | -2.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht (Helderberg) | 451 | 72.1% | 72.0% | +0.1% |
| Lewis Gay (Simon’s Town) | 182 | 97.7% | 76.4% | +21.3% |
| Victoria (Table Mountain) | 128 | 29.7% | 58.5% | -28.8% |
| Woodhead (Table Mountain) | 954 | 49.9% | 49.5% | +0.4% |
While some minor dams have benefited from recent rainfall, overall storage across the Western Cape remains under pressure. If rainfall continues in coming weeks, dam levels may stabilise or increase slightly.
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.
