The Western Cape’s total dam storage fell to 73.8% for the week ending Monday, 24 February 2025, marking a 1.9% drop from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 24 February 2025
All major dams in the province recorded decreases. Theewaterskloof Dam, the Western Cape’s largest reservoir, fell from 75.9% to 74.2%, a 1.7% drop. Voëlvlei Dam saw a 2.7% decrease, dropping from 75.3% to 72.6%.
Berg River Dam fell from 76.5% to 74.2% (-2.3%), while Wemmershoek Dam declined from 69.0% to 66.6% (-2.4%). Steenbras Lower Dam saw a decrease from 66.8% to 64.4% (-2.4%), while Steenbras Upper Dam dropped slightly from 94.8% to 94.4% (-0.4%).
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall remained extremely low across the province. Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Wemmershoek, and Steenbras all recorded 0.0 mm of rain. Newlands saw a minimal 0.2 mm.
The continued lack of rainfall is contributing to the decline in water storage levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 24 February 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 74.2% | 76.5% | -2.3% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 64.4% | 66.8% | -2.4% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 94.4% | 94.8% | -0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 74.2% | 75.9% | -1.7% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 72.6% | 75.3% | -2.7% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 66.6% | 69.0% | -2.4% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams experienced mixed changes, with most showing declines. Alexandra Dam dropped from 37.5% to 35.9%(-1.6%), while Land-en-Zeezicht Dam fell from 81.3% to 78.0% (-3.3%). Lewis Gay Dam saw a significant drop from 70.0% to 61.1% (-8.9%).
Woodhead Dam recorded the sharpest decrease, falling from 83.5% to 66.6%, a 16.9% drop. Hely-Hutchinson Dam dropped slightly from 10.5% to 10.4% (-0.1%). Kleinplaats Dam remained unchanged at 24.5%, while Victoria Dam declined from 87.1% to 85.4% (-1.7%).
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 24 February 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 35.9% | 37.5% | -1.6% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 91.3% | 91.8% | -0.5% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 10.4% | 10.5% | -0.1% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 24.5% | 24.5% | 0.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 78.0% | 81.3% | -3.3% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 61.1% | 70.0% | -8.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | 85.4% | 87.1% | -1.7% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 66.6% | 83.5% | -16.9% |
With dam levels now at 73.8%, further decreases are likely in the coming weeks if rainfall remains low. High daily water consumption continues to strain available water resources.
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.
