The latest dam level figures released by the City of Cape Town on Monday, 4 August, show that the Western Cape’s six major dams have reached a combined 85% of total capacity, thanks to sustained rainfall across the province.
This is an improvement from last week’s levels, which stood at 83.7%, but a drop from the same period last year, when combined dam levels exceeded 100%.
The six major dams – Theewaterskloof, Voëlvlei, Berg River, Steenbras Lower, Steenbras Upper, and Wemmershoek – all saw increases this week, with more heavy rain forecast as another cold front prepares to sweep through the region.
Dam-by-Dam Breakdown
- Theewaterskloof Dam, the province’s largest, is currently at 80.3%. It holds over half of the Western Cape’s total water storage capacity, with 480 188 MI out of a total 898 221 MI
- Voëlvlei Dam, the second largest, is at 85.2%
- The other four dams have also seen encouraging rises, reflecting consistent rainfall over recent weeks
While the current levels are reassuring, they still fall short of last year’s figures, and authorities are urging residents to remain mindful of their water usage.
Western Cape residents need no reminding of what life was like during the ‘Day Zero’ water crisis from mid-2017 to mid-2018, in reference to the severe drought period that saw dam levels plummet to historic lows.
With further rain expected in the coming days, dam levels may continue to rise, but officials have warned that long-term water security still depends on sustainable management and responsible consumption.
WESTERN CAPE DAM LEVELS
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