Aerial photo of Steenbrasdam near Grabouw (16 April 2020) (Photo: Shutterstock)
Cape Town’s dam levels have fallen to 50.4% amid rising water use and an ongoing heatwave, while the city warns that the window to avoid water restrictions later this year is shrinking.
Water consumption rose to 1,058 million liters per day (MLD) last week – 83 MLD above the target of 975 MLD – against 1,018 MLD the previous week. Authorities stress that the current trend is putting pressure on water supplies as the city approaches the winter rainy season.
According to Zahid Badroodien, mayoral committee member for water and sanitation, Cape Town is now in a critical phase.
“We are at a crucial point in our water journey this hydrological year where every drop now counts. Together we can continue to reverse the high consumption trend we have seen in recent weeks to manage our dam levels.”
He warns that the current water supply may have to last for a longer period of time.
“The 50.4% of water we currently have in our dams will need to supply Cape Town through this winter and possibly into next summer and even 2027, depending on how much rain we get this year. With unpredictable rainfall, we cannot rely on what winter will bring – we can only be sure of what we have now.”
Badroodien says the city is not currently in a drought, but that the situation is becoming increasingly vulnerable.
“Cape Town is in an early warning phase reflecting lower-than-expected dam levels with the need for continued cautious water consumption, even though taps are still flowing normally.”
He adds that the city’s options could quickly be limited if high consumption continues.
“Our combined water consumption is currently well above the target of 975 MLD set to help manage our supplies through winter. If this high demand continues, the city’s options become fewer and the likelihood of water restrictions being introduced earlier than November increases.”
According to the city, dam levels could drop to as low as 40% by May if rainfall remains average.
Badroodien is calling on residents to urgently reduce their water consumption.
“We’ve done it before and we can do it again. As Cape Town experiences high temperatures, we ask that residents stay hydrated and cool, but at the same time use water wisely and responsibly – in their homes, businesses and industries – and only for essential purposes.”
The city stresses that water conservation is critical in the coming weeks to keep dam levels as high as possible before the winter rains, which are expected to be below average.
Tips for saving water include:
- Repair leaks such as dripping faucets and leaky toilets as soon as possible
- Monitor household water consumption and limit unnecessary use
- Make sure gardens are only watered at night to limit evaporation
- Avoid the unnecessary filling of swimming pools
- Report burst municipal pipes immediately
The city also encourages larger water consumers to use treated wastewater for irrigation and construction.
Residents can report leaks or burst pipes via the city’s official channels and are advised to always obtain a reference number.