With summer hot on our heels, the City of Cape Town is urging residents to use water sparingly without letting water-saving efforts put a damper on the summer festivities.
The City is rolling out its More Summer campaign, encouraging residents to save water while still enjoying the sunshine and finding ways to beat the heat.
Spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo says the campaign comes at a crucial time, with dam levels currently sitting at 71.7% as of Wednesday, 11 November 2026, some 15% lower than during the same period last year.
“There is no need to let water saving efforts spoil your summer fun because using less water does not mean having less fun. The City’s More Summer campaign is urging residents to be water wise while still enjoying their much-loved activities, from swimming to gardening, to daily routines such as showering and doing the dishes.”
He says keeping the taps flowing for longer is a collective effort, with every water user having a role to play in protecting Cape Town’s water supply.
“Every water user in Cape Town, from residents, to businesses, government and visitors, all play a vital role in helping to keep our dams fuller for longer, and help it last until at least next winter, while rainfall remains unpredictable.”
CURRENT WATER STATUS
While summer fun is loading, Cape Town’s water use is also on the rise. The City’s water consumption recently spiked to 912 million litres a day, more than 52 million litres above its daily target. With the warmer months ahead, residents are being encouraged to make every drop count, starting with a few simple changes around the house and garden.
10 WAYS TO BE WATER-WISE WITHOUT MISSING OUT ON SUMMER FUN
According to consumption statistics, around 70% of high-volume water use takes place at home, making our everyday habits a good place to start.
INDOORS: KEEP THE TAPS IN CHECK
- Don’t flush in a rush. Only flush when necessary and don’t use your toilet as a dustbin. New or replaced toilet cisterns may not exceed six litres per flush.
- Keep your showers short and sweet. Opt for short, stop-start showers or small baths. The maximum flow rate of new and replaced showerheads may not exceed seven litres per minute.
- Make every load count. Whether it’s laundry or dishes, wait until you have a full load before switching on your washing machine or dishwasher. Handwashing and spot-cleaning can also use less water.
- Don’t let the tap run away. Turn off taps when they are not needed and use a cup when brushing your teeth or shaving.
OUTDOORS: GIVE THE HOSE A BREAK
- Wash your car without washing water down the drain. Hosepipes used to wash vehicles must be fitted with a controlling device, such as a spray nozzle or automatic self-closing device. Stop and start the spray only when needed, or opt for a bucket wash instead.
IN THE GARDEN: GROW GREEN, SAVE BLUE
- Take it slow with the spray. Use a nozzle restrictor or closing device to control the water flow.
- Beat the heat, not the evaporation. Water your garden for a maximum of one hour, regardless of the method, and only before 09:00 or after 18:00 to avoid evaporation losses.
- Get straight to the roots. Water plants directly at their roots wherever possible instead of soaking the surrounding ground.
SUMMER SPLASH: KEEP THE FUN, NOT THE WASTE
- Keep summer fun water-wise. Supervise children’s water play and avoid wasteful spraying when cooling down in the heat. A wet cloth can do the trick when it comes to cooling hot skin.
- Put a lid on pool evaporation. Cover built-in and fold-away pools when they are not in use to prevent evaporation. Recycle backwash water and top up with rainwater or alternative water where possible.
