Cape Town’s dam levels drop as water consumption spikes

For the first time this side of winter, Cape Town’s dam levels have dropped. But it’s not yet a cause for concern.

Collectively, the City’s six largest reservoirs still hold 76% of their total capacity, losing just 0.2% over the high water mark set the previous week.

Some dams added to their reserves too, according to the City’s latest report.

As of Monday afternoon, the Voelvlei Dam was 96.6% full, gaining 0.4% over the previous week. This comes despite no rain recorded over the dam since the month began.

The Berg River Dam also gained 0.1%, and is just 0.5% shy of its 100% full mark.

Both Steenbras Lower and Upper dams fell this week, but remain healthy at 90.5% and 85% full, respectively.

The Theewaterskloof Dam dropped 0.1% but is fixed above the 58% full mark.

And finally, the Wemmershoek Dam dropped 0.8% of its storage, but still measures above 90% full. No rain has been recorded near the dam’s catchment areas since the end of September.

Water consumption on the rise

After the City of Cape Town relaxed its water restrictions to Level 5, allowing Capetonians 70 litres of water per person per day, overall consumption has increased to its highest point since April.

More than 560-million litres were used per day by the city’s residents last week, a notable jump from the 510-million in late September. Consumption is likely to increase as summer returns to the region.

Feature image: Wemmershoek Dam by City of Cape Town