Cape Town residents are being urged to be more water-wise
and minimise non-essential consumption. This comes as the City of Cape Town has
seen an increase in the amount of daily usage.
The City has a set collective water-wise daily usage target
of less than 975 million litres per day (MLD) for the summer season.
‘’This allocation was determined to mitigate the risk
associated with below-average or unpredictable rainfall during 2026, and to maintain
a reliable water supply,’’ said Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for
Water and Sanitation.
As of Wednesday, the average water usage stands at 1
025MLD, with the city’s dam levels at 70,5%.
‘’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. 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,’’ said Badroodien.
‘’Currently the City’s 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. While there
is no immediate reason for concern, all Capetonians, visitors and businesses
are encouraged to carefully manage their water use over the coming months,’’ he
added.
The City reminded the public of some key tips to keep water
usage down:
·Take short, stop-start showers or small baths.
The maximum flow rate of new and replaced showerheads may not exceed seven
litres.
·Wash more with less, for laundry and dishes.
Only wash clothes and dishes (pots, cups etc) when really needed. Washing and
spot-cleaning can use less water.
·Turn off taps and hoses when not using the
water.
·Only water gardens before 09:00 or after 18:00
to avoid evaporation losses.
·Keep summer fun water wise. Use water mindfully
for children’s play and cooling. E.g. Use a wet cloth to cool down hot skin,
and avoid wasteful spraying of water.
·Swim, cover, save, repeat. Built-in and
fold-away pools must be covered when not in use, to prevent up to 95% of
evaporation losses. Recycle the backwash, and top up with rainwater or
alternative water where possible.
Badroodien said early and sustained reductions in water use
help protect water security, reduce the risk of sudden restrictions, and ensure
that sufficient reserves are available should rainfall in 2026 be below
average.
‘’Adjusting water-use habits now across households,
businesses and the tourism sector will help build resilience against
climate-related shocks and safeguard water supplies. 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,’’ he said
Done By: Mitchum George