Western Cape’s total dam storage dropped to 61.8% in the week ending Tuesday, 22 April 2025, a decrease of 0.9% from the previous week.
Western Cape dam levels on Tuesday, 22 April 2025
This marks another week of declining water levels as autumn continues with limited rainfall.
All major dams, except for Steenbras Upper, recorded storage decreases. Theewaterskloof, the province’s largest dam, dropped by 1.1% to 62.1%. Voëlvlei followed with a 1.2% decline, now at 60.5%.
Wemmershoek fell by 1.0%, while Steenbras Lower dropped by 1.3%. Berg River Dam declined marginally by 0.2%. Steenbras Upper was the only major dam to rise slightly, increasing by 0.5% to 92.7%.
Rainfall Analysis
Rainfall during the week was sparse. Most catchment areas recorded 0.0 mm. Theewaterskloof was the exception, receiving 19.0 mm, but this had little impact on reversing the overall decline.
The continued lack of rainfall has left catchments dry, and there is no immediate sign of recovery from natural inputs.
A look at changes in major dams
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 22 April 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berg River | 130010 | 62.9% | 63.1% | -0.2% |
| Steenbras Lower | 33517 | 46.6% | 47.9% | -1.3% |
| Steenbras Upper | 31767 | 92.7% | 92.2% | +0.5% |
| Theewaterskloof | 480188 | 62.1% | 63.2% | -1.1% |
| Voëlvlei | 164095 | 60.5% | 61.7% | -1.2% |
| Wemmershoek | 58644 | 52.5% | 53.5% | -1.0% |
Cape Town minor dams weekly changes
Minor dams showed more pronounced changes. De Villiers Dam dropped significantly by 8.8%, now storing 61.0%. Lewis Gay and Victoria both saw declines of over 1%, while Alexandra and Woodhead fell by 1.1% and 0.1%, respectively. Hely-Hutchinson declined slightly by 0.5%.
Only Kleinplaats remained unchanged at 8.4%, while Land-en-Zeezicht fell marginally by 0.3%.
| Dam | Capacity (ML) | Storage % on 22 April 2025 | Storage % Previous Week | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | 126 | 31.2% | 32.3% | -1.1% |
| De Villiers | 243 | 61.0% | 69.8% | -8.8% |
| Hely-Hutchinson | 925 | 6.3% | 6.8% | -0.5% |
| Kleinplaats | 1368 | 8.4% | 8.4% | 0.0% |
| Land-en-Zeezicht | 451 | 71.8% | 72.1% | -0.3% |
| Lewis Gay | 182 | 88.6% | 90.9% | -2.3% |
| Victoria | 128 | 76.9% | 78.2% | -1.3% |
| Woodhead | 954 | 48.9% | 49.0% | -0.1% |
Dam storage in the Western Cape continues to decline as the region moves further into autumn. With rainfall remaining below expectations, dam levels are likely to decrease again next week unless weather patterns change.
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.
