Latest Western Cape dam levels | Western Cape Government

Latest Western Cape dam levels

Theewaterskloof dam

Theewaterskloof dam

Residents and visitors in Cape Town are encouraged to continue to be water smart. Read more on why we should save water.

Cape Town dam levels on 18 March 2024: 68.5%.


As a resident or visitor in the Western Cape, please continue to ensure that you reduce your water consumption in accordance with the water restrictions of your municipality.

We've faced serious water shortages due to poor rainfall during our 2015, 2016 and 2017 winter seasons. The demand for water has also steadily increased every year due to the province's rapidly growing population and economy. This, as well as unpredictable climate change, has added significant pressure on our water supply.

What are water restrictions?

In order to ease the pressure placed on our water supply, municipalities across the province will continue to implement level 1 to 6 water restrictions for the foreseeable future.  These restrictions place higher tariffs on water consumption to encourage you to use only what you need. Other penalties such as fines or even imprisonment for blatant water wastage are also possible depending on your municipality's stipulations. Please consult the municipal guideline for definitions of the water restrictions for your municipality.

    Where does the water go?

    Other than using water in our homes for cooking, washing and sanitation, water also plays a central role in the economy of the Western Cape. The agriculture sector relies heavily on a reliable and sustainable water supply in order to produce good crops and sustain livestock. The manufacturing sector also needs water to produce manufactured goods.

    Water is also lost to evaporation, leaks in water supply pipes, and deliberate water wastage.

    What can I do to help?

    Go beyond ordinary water-saving and get creative with new ways to save as much as you can.

    Our water security is vital for almost everything we do, which is why it's important that we all work together to ease demand on our water supply. Remember, every drop counts! Report leaks and burst pipes to your local municipality. Use our water saving tips and follow your municipality's guidelines for water restrictions. Share your water saving ideas on social media and encourage family and friends to do their bit as well, so that we save as much water as we possibly can, together!

    What's the state of Western Cape dams?

    The province is supplied with water by 44 main dams. These dams collectively hold a maximum storage capacity of 1 870.4 million cubic meters.

    The average storage across the province on 11 March 2024 is 62.9%.

    How full is the dam in my region?

    You can keep track of the water storage levels in dams across the province using the map below. Information on dam storage levels is supplied by the national Department of Water and Sanitation.

    View detailed map.

    The content on this page was last updated on 18 March 2024