Cape Town dam levels continue to drop, usage 4% above target
· The South African
Cape Town’s water consumption remains above target, even as overall usage dropped slightly over the past week.
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The City says residents used 1 014 million litres of water per day (MLD), down from 1 022 MLD the week before. However, this is still 39 MLD above the target of 975 MLD, roughly 4% higher than the goal.
Meanwhile, the metro’s collective dam storage levels currently sit at 47.8% (down from last week’s 49.2%).
Officials say the next two months are critical as the city waits for winter rainfall.
“Team Cape Town, Cape Town’s dam levels are 47.8% – this is no April Fool’s joke,” said Zahid Badroodien, Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation,
“Let’s work together to save water because this 47.8% water that we have in our dams will need to last Cape Town with supply through both this winter and possibly into next year.”
Dam levels dwindle
The City says water usage between now and the end of May will play a key role in determining whether restrictions are needed later this year.
Cape Town is not currently in drought conditions, and authorities say the city is not heading toward another Day Zero scenario.
However, officials warn that the metro has entered an early warning phase because dam levels are lower than expected for this time of year.
If demand stays high and rainfall is average, dam storage could fall to about 40% by May, according to the City.
Residents urged to reduce water usage
About 70% of the city’s water is used in households, making residential conservation essential.
The City is urging residents to continue simple water-saving measures such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers and watering gardens early in the morning or evening.
“‘As we enjoy and relax this long weekend, and use water for different reasons, let us do so responsibly,” Badroodien added.
“About 70% of all water used in the city is used in homes. This is why saving water at home is so important.”
Officials say reducing demand now could help keep dams fuller and delay possible water restrictions.
Click here for the City of Cape Town’s top water-saving tips