Save water, dam it! Capetonians told to scale back non-essential use
Use water sparingly, says the City of Cape Town
Image: FILE
With Cape Town’s dams nearly a fifth emptier than they were last year and the city still using over a billion litres of water a day, officials are urging residents to reduce their unnecessary water use.
This call for caution comes with the memory of Cape Town’s 2018 water crisis still fresh.
That is when the city came close to "Day Zero" but avoided it through drastic conservation measures.
The metro's water and sanitation political head, Zahid Badroodien, said the average water usage currently stands at 1,025 million litres per day, with the city’s dam levels at 70.5%.
"‘Currently, [our] main supply dams are 19,2% lower than last year at this time, and as a city we have collectively and consistently been using over 1,000 million litres of water daily," he said.
"While there is no immediate reason for concern, all Capetonians, visitors and businesses are encouraged to carefully manage their water use over the coming month."
Badroodien said the Mother City is in the midst of a dry spell.
"Climate change is increasingly altering rainfall patterns in the Western Cape, making dry periods longer, rainfall more intense but less frequent, and dam replenishment less predictable," he said.
"Scientific projections show that the region is likely to experience greater variability in future rainfall, with a higher risk of extended dry spells and hotter summers that increase evaporation and water demand."
He said early and sustained reductions in water use help protect water security.
He added that it also reduces the risk of sudden restrictions.
"And it ensures that sufficient reserves are available should rainfall in 2026 be below average," Badroodien said.
"Adjusting water-use habits now across households, businesses and the tourism sector will help build resilience against climate-related shocks and safeguard water supplies."
Badroodien said Cape Town is not waiting for the next crisis.
"Through the City’s New Water Programme, we are actively securing new water from reuse, desalination and ground water to protect our water future.
"These investments take time, which is why every Capetonian’s water choices today matter. Saving water now is how we protect our city tomorrow.
"Residents and businesses are reminded to use water wisely at all times this summer."
In 2018, the city faced the real threat of running out of water, forcing strict rationing and widespread public campaigns to save every drop.
Residents, businesses and the tourism sector all had to adapt to severe restrictions as dam levels plunged.
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