The Western Cape’s total dam storage dropped to 63.6% in the week ending Monday, 7 April 2025, a weekly decline of 1.5%.
Western Cape dam levels on Monday, 7 April 2025
This drop follows continued dry conditions and steady water usage across the province. Despite the nearing end of summer, there has been no rainfall to assist dam recovery.
Most major dams recorded decreases. Steenbras Lower Dam had the steepest drop at 3.8%, now sitting at 49.8%.
Theewaterskloof, the province’s largest dam, declined by 1.2%, now at 64.5%. Berg River Dam fell by 1.4%, Voëlvlei by 2.1%, and Wemmershoek by 1.2%.
The only major dam to record a gain was Steenbras Upper, which increased slightly from 92.4% to 92.8%.
Rainfall Analysis
No rainfall was reported in any of the catchment monitoring stations. Locations such as Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Steenbras, Wemmershoek, and Table Mountain (Woodhead) all registered 0.0 mm for the week.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 7 April 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130,010 | 63.6% | 65.0% | -1.4% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,517 | 49.8% | 53.6% | -3.8% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,767 | 92.8% | 92.4% | +0.4% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480,188 | 64.5% | 65.7% | -1.2% |
| Voëlvlei | 164,095 | 61.7% | 63.8% | -2.1% |
| Wemmershoek | 58,644 | 54.1% | 55.3% | -1.2% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
The majority of minor dams also experienced drops. Lewis Gay saw the biggest decline at 4.5%, now at 92.3%. De Villiers dropped by 2.5%, Kleinplaats by 1.3%, Victoria by 1.7%, and Land-en-Zeezicht by 0.3%. Woodhead fell slightly by 0.3%.
Only Alexandra Dam rose marginally by 0.2%, while Hely-Hutchinson remained empty.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 7 April 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 32.4% | 32.2% | +0.2% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 88.0% | 90.5% | -2.5% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Kleinplaats | 1,368 | 8.3% | 9.6% | -1.3% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 71.8% | 72.1% | -0.3% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 92.3% | 96.8% | -4.5% |
| Victoria | 128 | 79.3% | 81.0% | -1.7% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 49.5% | 49.8% | -0.3% |
With dam levels at 63.6%, the province continues to experience pressure on its water supply. Without rainfall in the coming weeks, further declines in dam levels are expected.
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.
