Cape Town dam levels see nominal decrease to 100,5%

13 October 2020

The total capacity of dams supplying the Cape Town metro slightly decreased from 100,8% to 100,5% between 5 October 2020 and 11 October, a 0,03% change from the previous week. Water consumption for the same period increased by 31million litres per day from an average of 660 million litres per day the previous week to 691 million litres per day. At the same time last year, dam levels were at 81,9%.

‘The dam levels have still topped the 100% mark despite a minor drop in dam levels this past week.

‘Questions around water tariffs and restrictions still remain topical. Residents are reminded that any decisions related to water tariffs and restrictions going forward will be mindful of residents’ praiseworthy relationship with water, and the City will seek to find an arrangement most beneficial to residents, and one that is sustainable for our water security.

‘Consultations around appropriate tariffs and restrictions for the 2020/21 hydrological year (which runs from 1 November to 31 October) are currently taking place.

‘Tariffs are currently on the second lowest level possible in terms of the City’s 2020/21 Budget, and have come down significantly since the peak of the drought. The no restriction, water-wise tariff which is under consideration, will provide some relief if implemented, but the possibility of tariff relief must be balanced against the extra funds needed to build additional resilience against climate change by investing in future water sources,’ said Alderman Xanthea Limberg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Waste.

In a few short years, we have gone from the worst drought to face our city and a potential ‘Day Zero’, to the real prospect of zero water restrictions besides the need to stay water-wise.

For more information on new water sources, water restrictions (Level 1 currently in place), guidelines around alternative water sources such as boreholes and rainwater tanks, as well as tariff information, please visit https://www.capetown.gov.za/thinkwater

More information about the City’s Water Strategy can be found here: https://www.capetown.gov.za/general/cape-town-water-strategy 

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office