Premier Alan Winde recently convened the Western Cape Government’s Integrated Energy and Water Council in a renewed effort to address critical water security challenges facing the province.
The meeting brought together provincial Cabinet members, mayors, municipal managers and key stakeholders, marking a coordinated push to strengthen the resilience of the Western Cape’s energy and water systems.
Topping the agenda were escalating water security challenges being experienced by multiple municipalities amid ongoing drought conditions.
Winde highlighted the seriousness of the situation, urging council members to maintain momentum in strengthening governance, coordination and oversight across the province.
“Where municipalities require assistance, we must step in,” Winde said, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between provincial, national and local government.
Disaster declaration requested
On Thursday 22 January, the Western Cape Government’s Cabinet formally requested a provincial disaster declaration from the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC).
The declaration, which is expected to be approved, would unlock access to emergency funding and resources, significantly enhancing the province’s ability to respond to water-related risks and support water-stressed municipalities.
The council also revisited the Western Cape Water Resilience Strategy, launched in October 2025, which Winde described as both an “immediate and long-term plan”.
The strategy focuses on four key pillars:
- Water conservation and demand management;
- Water augmentation;
- Infrastructure development;
- Governance.
Rapid population growth, climate change and increasing demand were cited as key pressures on water resources.
Billions committed to water infrastructure
Municipalities across the Western Cape, excluding Cape Town, are expected to invest an estimated R844 million over the next two years to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure. Cape Town has independent plans in place, including desalination initiatives.
In addition, the provincial government will invest more than R2 billion into bulk water infrastructure projects in the medium term, aligned with the Water Resilience Strategy and the province’s 15-year water demand plan.
Winde said Garden Route town Knysna is recovering from recent water stress following the declaration of a local state of disaster.
“Our engineers have been there helping with national, provincial and local government, making sure that we mitigate this risk because we cannot have a town run out of water,” he said.
He added that several Garden Route and Karoo municipalities continue to experience high levels of water stress.
Cape Town water use exceeds daily target
Meanwhile, Cape Town residents have been urged to urgently reduce water consumption after daily usage once again exceeded the City’s target of 975 million litres of water per day (MLD).
Cape Town’s dam storage levels currently stand at 62.2%, which must last until the next seasonal rainfall cycle. Daily water use has peaked at 1 062MLD, placing additional pressure on the City’s supply system.
Lower-than-average rainfall last year resulted in reduced inflows into dams. While taps are not at risk of running dry at this stage, continued high consumption could rapidly change the situation and lead to water restrictions if usage is not brought down urgently.
Recent water usage trends
According to the City’s weekly water dashboard, daily consumption has remained consistently above target:
- 10 December 2025 – 1 029MLD
- 15 December 2025 – 1 029MLD
- 22 December 2025 – 1 039MLD
- 29 December 2025 – 1 010MLD
- 5 January 2026 – 1 048MLD
- 12 January 2026 – 1 037MLD
- 19 January 2026 – 1 050MLD
“Water usage this past week has unfortunately peaked, so we are 87 million litres a day over our target. Team Cape Town, we need all hands on deck to help bring our collective use down,” said the City’s Mayco member for water and sanitation, Zahid Badroodien.
City steps up protection of water supply
Badroodien said the City is implementing multiple measures to protect and build a resilient water supply, including repairing pipe bursts, fixing leaks and upgrading ageing infrastructure.
“Since the drought, the City has invested heavily in replacing old pipes, improving pressure management, strengthening metering and fixing leaks faster,” he said.
In the long term, Cape Town plans to reduce reliance on rain-fed dams by adding new water sources such as desalination and water reuse from 2031.
Water inspectors enforce by-laws
Throughout the summer season, the City’s Water Inspectorate has increased inspections to enforce the Water By-law and deter excessive water use.
During December 2025 and January 2026, inspectors visited areas including Sandown, Parklands, Bergvliet, Brackenfell South, Somerset West, Tokai, Monte Vista, Heathfield, Gordons Bay and Ottery.
Inspections focus on water wastage, leaks, illegal connections, permanent restrictions on hosing and construction activities, and swimming pool covers. Transgressors may receive spot fines ranging from R1 500 to R5 000.
Further inspections are planned in Uitzicht, Westlake Business Park, Parow Industrial, Plumstead, Goodwood, Constantia, Table View and several shopping centres.
Public urged to save water
Residents, businesses and farmers across the Western Cape have been urged to intensify water-saving efforts. “Ultimately, we must use water responsibly year-round, not only during times of crisis,” Winde said.
Badroodien echoed the call: “Cape Town, we are in this together. We have done it before and I am confident we can do it again. Let’s work together to reduce non-essential water use and remain below the 975 million litres per day target.”
