Cape Town residents and businesses are being urged to immediately reduce non-essential water consumption after the city exceeded its daily usage target by 50 million litres, officials on announced Wednesday.
The City of Cape Town has set a collective water-wise target of less than 975 million litres per day (MLD) for the summer season, but current usage stands at 1,025 MLD as of 31 December. The city’s dam levels currently sit at 70.5%, which is 19.2% lower than the same time last year.
“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,” said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
The water consumption target was established to mitigate risks associated with below-average or unpredictable rainfall expected in 2026, ensuring the city maintains a reliable water supply throughout the summer months.
The call for conservation comes as climate change increasingly alters rainfall patterns across the Western Cape. Scientific projections indicate the region will likely experience greater variability in future rainfall, with extended dry spells and more intense but less frequent precipitation.
“Climate change is making dry periods longer, rainfall more intense but less frequent, and dam replenishment less predictable,” city officials noted. The changing weather patterns also bring hotter summers that increase evaporation and overall water demand.
Water-saving measures
To help residents reduce consumption, the City has provided several water-wise tips:
- Take short, stop-start showers or small baths, with new showerheads limited to seven litres maximum flow rate
- Wash laundry and dishes only when necessary, using washing and spot-cleaning methods that consume less water
- Turn off taps and hoses when not actively using water
- Water gardens only before 09:00 or after 18:00 to minimize evaporation losses
- Use water mindfully for children’s play and cooling activities
- Cover swimming pools when not in use to prevent up to 95% of evaporation losses
The City stated that early and sustained water use reductions help protect long-term water security and reduce the risk of sudden restrictions. These conservation efforts are particularly crucial given the possibility of below-average rainfall in 2026.
Cape Town is simultaneously working on long-term solutions through its New Water Programme, which aims to secure additional water from reuse, desalination, and groundwater sources. However, officials stress that these infrastructure investments take time to implement.
“Saving water now is how we protect our city tomorrow,” the City stated, highlighting that current water conservation choices by residents, businesses, and the tourism sector will help build resilience against future climate-related challenges.
The City continues to urge all residents and businesses to use water wisely throughout the summer season as part of ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable water supply for Cape Town’s growing population.
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