The Western Cape’s total dam storage fell to 70.9% for the week ending Monday, 3 March 2025, a 2.9% drop from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 3 March 2025
All major dams recorded drops in water levels. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the Western Cape, fell from 74.2% to 70.6%, marking a 3.6% decrease. Voëlvlei Dam also saw a decline, dropping from 72.6% to 71.0% (-1.6%).
Berg River Dam decreased from 74.2% to 72.0% (-2.2%), while Wemmershoek Dam fell from 66.6% to 64.2% (-2.4%). Steenbras Lower Dam saw a 3.3% drop, moving from 64.4% to 61.1%. Steenbras Upper Dam recorded the smallest change, declining from 94.4% to 93.9% (-0.5%).
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall was minimal across key catchment areas. Theewaterskloof received 4.2 mm, while Wemmershoek and most other catchments, including Voëlvlei, Steenbras, and Blackheath Upper, recorded 0.0 mm. The lack of significant rainfall is contributing to the steady decline in dam storage levels.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 3 March 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 72.0% | 74.2% | -2.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 61.1% | 64.4% | -3.3% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 93.9% | 94.4% | -0.5% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 70.6% | 74.2% | -3.6% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 71.0% | 72.6% | -1.6% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 64.2% | 66.6% | -2.4% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams experienced mixed results. Alexandra Dam dropped from 35.7% to 34.8% (-0.9%), while Land-en-Zeezicht Dam declined from 78.0% to 76.1% (-1.9%). Woodhead Dam recorded a 5.0% drop, moving from 64.7% to 59.7%.
Hely-Hutchinson Dam recorded a slight decrease from 10.2% to 10.0% (-0.2%), while Kleinplaats Dam saw a 6.0% drop, moving from 24.5% to 18.5%. In contrast, Lewis Gay Dam increased from 61.1% to 70.0%, showing an 8.9% rise.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 3 March 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 34.8% | 35.7% | -0.9% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 91.6% | 91.6% | 0.0% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 10.0% | 10.2% | -0.2% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 18.5% | 24.5% | -6.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 76.1% | 78.0% | -1.9% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 70.0% | 61.1% | +8.9% |
| Victoria | 128 | 84.7% | 85.1% | -0.4% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 59.7% | 64.7% | -5.0% |
With dam levels now at 70.9%, further declines are expected 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.
