Cape Town dam levels dip below 50%, water restrictions proposed

Cape Town’s dam levels have dropped below the halfway mark, raising concerns about water supply ahead of winter.

The City confirmed that collective storage levels now stand at 49.2%, as usage remains above target despite a slight week-on-week decline.

Officials say the city is not in a drought, but has entered an “early warning phase,” with the window to avoid restrictions narrowing.

“We need to conserve as much water as possible by the last day of May so that we have more water stored ahead of the winter rains, which is predicted to be less than average,” said Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation.

Dam levels under pressure as usage stays high

Over the past week, water consumption fell to 1 022 million litres per day (MLD) from 1 058 MLD. However, this remains 47 MLD above the target of 975 MLD.

Authorities warned that continued high usage could see dam levels drop further. A recent heatwave over the Western Cape put further strain on water sources.

“This week our dam levels have dipped to 49,2%,” Badroodien confirmed.

Based on current trends, dam storage could decline to around 40% by May, particularly if winter rainfall is below average.

Water restrictions could be introduced earlier

The City said it may propose water restrictions before November if conditions do not improve.

This would be ahead of the usual timeline, when the national Department of Water and Sanitation determines restrictions for the next hydrological year.

“The 49,2% water that we have in our dams will need to last Cape Town with supply through both this winter and possibly into next summer and 2027,” Badroodien added.

Residents have been urged to limit water use to essential needs, and to fix leaks.

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