Economic Water Resilience
Current Context on the Water Security in the Western Cape
- The Cape Town system of dams is currently sitting at 99.71% capacity and for the Western Cape State of Dams at 91.38% (as of 21 August 2023 - see below for weekly updates). There has been a decrease of 0,40% in the Dam levels last week.
- The largest dam in the Western Cape, the Theewaterskloof dam, is at 100.43% capacity.
- The Gouritz River Catchment area has 81.69% capacity, while the Olifants/Doorn River and Breede River Catchment areas have capacity levels of 99.64%and 89.78% respectively.
- Water consumption in Cape Town for the past week stands at 807 megaliters per day (MLD) (as of 21 August2023).
- 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 the rainy season, businesses and residents are encouraged to install water tanks to store rain water and consider other ways to augment their water supplies.
- 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
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 21 August 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.
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.
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:
- Reducing your business' water consumption.
- Water augmentation to increase your business' supply.
- Developing water businesses in the province.
- Communication Material to Raise Awareness.
- Develop a Business Continuity Plan.
- Answering all your frequently asked questions.
For more information on building economic water resilience, contact us via email at 110Green@westerncape.gov.za