The City’s Water and Sanitation Directorate is urgently appealing to all residents and businesses across Cape Town to drastically reduce water consumption to essential use only.

Recent severe weather has significantly affected raw water quality at key water treatment plants.

Mud, debris and sediment washed into dams have reduced drinking water production capacity.

Bulk water storage reservoirs are currently at 45%, below the minimum operating threshold of 55%.

Immediate consumption reductions are critical to prevent further pressure on the system and allow reservoir levels to recover.

This is a city-wide advisory

Residents have been urged to do the following immediately:

• Limit water use to essential needs only
• Avoid irrigation, topping up pools and washing vehicles
• Keep showers short and minimise bath water use
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
• Fix leaks and turn off taps when not in use
• Water gardens only before 09:00 or after 18:00