Economic Water Resilience | 110% Green

Current Context on the Water Security in the Western Cape

  • The Cape Town system of dams is currently sitting at 56.42%apacity and for the Western Cape State of Dams at 49.70% (as of 20 February 2023 - see below for weekly updates).  There has been a decrease of 1.70% in the Dam levels last week.
  • The largest dam in the Western Cape, the Theewaterskloof dam, is at 53.41% capacity.
  • The Gouritz River Catchment area has 51.07% capacity, while the Olifants/Doorn River and Breede River Catchment areas have capacity levels of 33.21%and 47.16% respectively.
  • Water consumption in Cape Town for the past week stands at 950 megaliters per day (MLD) (as of 20 February 2023).   Cape Town residents are urged not to use more than 850 megaliters per day (MLD).
  • Businesses need to actively work towards a ‘new normal’ to become water resilient. The information provided in the following sections can assist with building resilience.
  • In preparation for summer, businesses and residents are encouraged to look for ways to reduce water use, by fixing leaking pipes and fixtures, monitoring and metering water use in processes, and conducting maintenance of boreholes and other equipment.
  • If you are looking for any water-saving related technology or services, please visit our water technology and service database on: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/110green/water/develop-water-businesses

Overview of the Drought Status 

Dam and Catchment Levels in the Western Cape

Cape Town is heavily dependent on surface water which is contained within 6 major dams    (Wemmershoek, Voelvlei, Steenbras, Theewaterskloof and Berg River Dams).

Below is a breakdown of the state of the Western Cape dams as of 20 February 2023

WC Dam levels 20 February 2023

For the City of Cape Town Water Outlook click Water Outlook for 2022. For access to the interactive Dam Level Model, click here to download. For the Dam Level Model User Guide, click here. Although some dam levels are increasing with rainfall, the Western Cape is still at risk and therefore the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has recommended that drought measures continue for the foreseeable future. As such businesses need to plan for a new normal. 

For the most updated Water Dashboard showing dam levels for the City of Cape Town click here. All the drought-related updates from the City of Cape Town can be found here

While many businesses are based in Cape Town, operations and supply chains may be located in other parts of the Western Cape. Thus it is critical for businesses to be aware of the water situation across the province.

Western Cape Municipal Drought Status

Below you can find the latest Western Cape Municipal Drought Status issued by the Disaster Management Division of the Department of Local Government. 

Note: it is focused on hydrological (urban-based) drought and does not include agricultural drought. This map will be updated as and when applicable.

Western Cape Municipal Drought status August 2022

To find out current water restriction for the Western Cape Municipalities and dam levels click here.

The information provided as part of the Water section of this website is to ensure businesses are as informed as possible to make the necessary decisions to build on long term water resilience. For information on:

For more information on building economic water resilience, contact us via email at 110Green@westerncape.gov.za