Recent rainfall may have brought short-term relief, but Cape Town remains firmly in the drought danger zone, with water consumption still exceeding the city’s daily target.
The City of Cape Town says usage has dropped thanks to conservation efforts, but demand continues to sit above the 975 megalitres per day benchmark, as reported by the Tyger Burger.
Officials have warned that residents cannot ease off, particularly with summer conditions persisting and dam levels currently about 20% lower than at the same point last year. Unpredictable rainfall has added further pressure, prompting renewed calls for consistent water-wise behaviour across the metro.
Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien welcomed the decline in consumption but stressed that more needs to be done. He said the usage target is essential to help the city manage supply until winter and can only be achieved if residents continue to actively reduce their daily water use.
While there is no immediate threat to water security, Badroodien cautioned against complacency, saying current supply levels should not be taken for granted. With everyone relying on the same system, responsible water use remains a shared responsibility, especially during the hotter months.
The city has again highlighted practical steps households can take to curb consumption, including fixing leaks, monitoring home water use and avoiding unnecessary watering. As most of Cape Town’s water is consumed in homes, small changes at household level can make a meaningful difference.
Residents are also encouraged to report burst pipes and municipal leaks through the city’s official channels, providing clear locations and reference details. In addition, the municipality continues to promote the use of treated effluent for industrial irrigation, construction and other large-scale needs, supplying alternative water to industries, sports facilities, golf courses, developments and schools as part of its broader water management strategy.
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