The Western Cape’s dam levels declined to 59.7% on 5 May 2025, down by 1.0% from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 5 May 2025
This marks another week of decreasing water storage across the province as the autumn season progresses with little rainfall.
Storage in most major dams dropped again. Theewaterskloof, the province’s largest reservoir, decreased from 61.0% to 60.0%.
Voëlvlei dropped by 1.2%, now at 58.5%, and Wemmershoek fell by 1.1%. Steenbras Lower experienced the biggest drop, losing 1.7%, while Berg River declined slightly by 0.6%.
Steenbras Upper was the only major dam to show an increase, rising by 0.3% to 91.2%.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall across the Western Cape catchments was sparse. Most stations recorded no measurable rainfall. The dry conditions have persisted, contributing to the overall decline in dam levels.
As of early May, cumulative rainfall for the hydrological year remains significantly below the long-term average in all monitored areas.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 5 May 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130010 | 60.9% | 61.5% | -0.6% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33517 | 43.1% | 44.8% | -1.7% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31767 | 91.2% | 90.9% | +0.3% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480188 | 60.0% | 61.0% | -1.0% |
| Voëlvlei | 164095 | 58.5% | 59.7% | -1.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58644 | 50.8% | 51.9% | -1.1% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Storage in minor dams reflected more dramatic shifts. De Villiers Dam dropped sharply by 8.7%, now at 38.7%.
Lewis Gay fell by 3.2%, while Victoria declined marginally by 0.3%. In contrast, Hely-Hutchinson rose slightly by 0.5%, reaching 7.7%, and Woodhead also increased by 0.4%.
Alexandra rose by 0.5%, while Kleinplaats and Land-en-Zeezicht remained unchanged.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 5 May 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 31.4% | 30.9% | +0.5% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 38.7% | 47.4% | -8.7% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 7.7% | 7.2% | +0.5% |
| Kleinplaats | 1368 | 8.1% | 8.1% | 0.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 71.8% | 71.8% | 0.0% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 79.0% | 82.2% | -3.2% |
| Victoria | 128 | 75.6% | 75.9% | -0.3% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 49.3% | 48.9% | +0.4% |
The outlook for dam levels in the coming week depends heavily on rainfall, which has been scarce. With continued dry conditions and a steady rate of water consumption, dam storage levels are expected to decline further unless there is significant rain.
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.