The City of Cape Town today issued a statement that encouraged residents to use less than the target of 975 million litres of water per day due to the low dam levels.
The city’s dam levels stood at 62,25, which needed to last until the next seasonal rainfall cycle, it read.
Low annual rainfall last year resulted in reduced inflows to dams, placing increased pressure on the City’s water-supply system. While taps were not at risk of running dry at this stage continued high water use could rapidly change the situation and result in restrictions unless consumption was brought down urgently, the City said.
“Water usage this past week has unfortunately peaked, so we are 87 million litres a day over our target,” Zahid Badroodien, Mayco member for Water and Sanitation, said.
He said early proactive measures were far more effective than emergency restriction.
“We must reduce the unnecessary litres of water used in our homes, in industrial and agricultural processes and at work. We cannot afford to be complacent. We must closely keep track of consumption indicators on a weekly basis.”
Badroodien said the City was busy with various forms of action, including consistently resolving pipe bursts and water leaks reported through official channels. “Since the drought [nearly a decade ago] the City has and continues to invest in upgrading aged water pipes, improving pressure management, fixing leaks faster and strengthening metering along the water supply network.”
Residents are requested to;
- Find and fix water leaks;
- Monitor usage and make an effort to save water;
- To only water gardens at night, and to not top up swimming pools.
Call 086 010 3089, SMS 31372, WhatsApp 060 018 1505 or email water@capetown.gov.za to report burst municipal pipes.
