Restriction-free window is closing, as Cape Town water levels decline

City of Cape Town officials are warning that the window to avoid water restrictions later this year is narrowing as dam levels continue dropping, amid high-level consumption.

The City maintains that there is no drought, but concerns are rising, with dam levels currently on 55%. This is roughly 19% lower than at the same time last year.

Updated projections shared on Wednesday indicate that dam storage could drop to as low as 40% by May, if current usage persists and if rainfall is average in winter.

“Cape Town is not facing an immediate drought emergency, but dam levels are about 20% lower than last year and the system is entering a phase where early choices will shape the months ahead,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.

While there is no immediate threat to the water supply, an “Early Drought Caution” phase has been triggered, due to “lower-than-expected dam levels” signalling the need for responsible and careful water use.

Daily water consumption spiked to 1,073 million litres per day (MLD) on Monday, with average per-person use at around 178 litres per day.

“Saving water at a household level is now essential to reducing collective consumption and returning our status to below the 975MLD mark,” read the City’s statement.

The City said the next 90 days, “between now and May really matter”.

Officials note that small reductions in demand now could help keep dams fuller and maintain flexibility.

The City added that long-term projects, including groundwater schemes, water reuse and desalination, are also underway to strengthen Cape Town’s future water security.