The Western Cape’s total dam storage level stood at 65.1% for the week ending Monday, 31 March 2025.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 31 March 2025
This marks a 1.2% decrease from the previous week as water levels continue to drop in both major and minor dams. With dry conditions persisting and no rain reported, water reserves remain under pressure.
Most of the province’s major dams recorded declines in storage. Theewaterskloof Dam, the largest in the system, dropped from 66.8% to 65.7%. Voëlvlei Dam decreased by 1.1%, down to 63.8%.
Berg River Dam declined from 66.4% to 65.0%, while Wemmershoek Dam saw a 2.2% drop, now at 55.3%.
Steenbras Upper Dam experienced a small decline of 0.8%, now at 92.4%. Steenbras Lower Dam also dropped, falling from 54.6% to 53.6%.
Rainfall Analysis
No rainfall was recorded across any of the key catchment areas during the reporting week. This includes Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Steenbras, Wemmershoek, Woodhead, and all monitoring stations in Blackheath, Brooklands, Newlands, Tygerberg, and Wynberg.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 31 March 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 65.0% | 66.4% | -1.4% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 53.6% | 54.6% | -1.0% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 92.4% | 93.2% | -0.8% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 65.7% | 66.8% | -1.1% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 63.8% | 64.9% | -1.1% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 55.3% | 57.5% | -2.2% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Some minor dams saw improvements, while others declined. Victoria Dam rose slightly from 80.6% to 81.0%, and Woodhead Dam also increased by 0.4% to 49.5%. De Villiers Dam went up slightly by 0.3%, now at 91.0%.
In contrast, Alexandra Dam dropped by 2.1%, now at 32.4%, and Kleinplaats Dam fell to 9.6%, down from 10.9%. Lewis Gay Dam declined from 98.3% to 96.8%, while Land-en-Zeezicht saw a small decrease of 0.4%. Hely-Hutchinson remained completely dry at 0.0%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 31 March 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 32.4% | 34.5% | -2.1% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 91.0% | 90.7% | +0.3% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 9.6% | 10.9% | -1.3% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 72.1% | 72.5% | -0.4% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 96.8% | 98.3% | -1.5% |
| Victoria | 128 | 81.0% | 80.6% | +0.4% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 49.5% | 49.1% | +0.4% |
With dam storage now at 65.1% and no rainfall recorded, water levels are likely to continue falling 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.
