Cape Town’s dam levels have dropped to 51.8%, prompting the City to urge residents to use water carefully as a heatwave pushes daily water consumption above the recommended target.
The City of Cape Town said water usage has increased to 1 018 million litres per day (MLD) over the past week, rising from 1 012 MLD the week before. This is 43 MLD above the city’s target of 975 MLD, which has been set to help manage water supply until the winter rainfall season arrives.
Despite the decline in dam levels, officials emphasised that Cape Town is not currently in a drought. However, authorities warned that the window to avoid water restrictions later in the year is narrowing.
If current usage trends continue and rainfall this winter is only average, dam levels could fall to around 40% by May, placing additional pressure on the city’s water supply system.
The City said Cape Town is currently in an ‘early warning phase’, which reflects lower-than-expected dam levels and signals the need for residents to continue using water responsibly.
Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation Councillor Zahid Badroodien said the hot weather typically leads to higher water demand but stressed that residents should limit water use to essential needs.
‘As Cape Town experiences soaring temperatures this week, our call is for residents to stay hydrated and cool while remembering to use water wisely and responsibly,’ he said.
Badroodien added that the city cannot control unpredictable winter rainfall and must therefore focus on managing the water currently available.
‘With dam levels being 17.5% lower than last year, and with rainfall uncertain, we must remain water-wise at all times, especially during this hot summer period,’ he said.
The City is encouraging residents to help conserve water by fixing leaks, monitoring household water usage and limiting unnecessary activities such as topping up swimming pools.
Residents are also urged to water gardens at night to reduce evaporation and to report burst municipal pipes immediately.
Leaks or pipe bursts can be reported to the City.
- Contact: 086 010 3089|SMS 31373|WhatsApp 060 018 1505|Email [email protected].
Officials say about 70% of Cape Town’s water is used in homes, highlighting the crucial role residents play in protecting the city’s water supply during periods of high demand.
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Picture: Jackie Alexander/Unsplash
