Heavy rain tops up Cape Town’s dam levels- 61,2% and counting
14 May 2026
By Tuesday, 12 May, Cape Town’s dam levels increased by 12,4% compared to last week due to the heavy rain experienced particularly between Sunday, 10 May and Tuesday, 11 May. This brought dam levels to 61,2% at the time, which is still increasing as water continues to run into the dams over the coming days. Please continue to save water even when it rains because such proactive actions will help keep Cape Town’s dams fuller for longer. Water in our dams need to last us until this time next year, as we cannot depend on unpredictable rainfall this winter and want to avoid early water restrictions as much as possible.
While dam levels have increased to 61,2% by Tuesday, 12 May, water usage has decreased to 831 million litres of water a day (MLD) from 874 MLD last week.
This is 29 MLD below the winter usage target of 860 MLD.
Team Cape Town, let’s continue to save water even when it rains
‘The severe weather conditions have been bittersweet- it has brought both challenges that have impacted our residents and city, and some relief to our dams.
‘While we are grateful for the dam levels increase, let us continue to save water even when it rains. Small water savings can all add up and can make a big change to our dam levels. Saving water keeps our dams fuller for longer.
‘We cannot depend on unpredictable rainfall to fill our dams. While rainfall is vital, it also has to rain in the right place, in our dam catchments for dam levels to increase.
‘Team Cape Town, we all use water every day so let’s make simple adjustments to save water, from taking short-stop showers to turning off the tap while brushing our teeth. We all need to use water wisely and responsibly in and around our homes, businesses and industries, and for essential purposes only. Every drop counts when facing the unpredictable winter rainfall,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
Saving water at your fingertips
70% of water being used in high volumes is at home, according to consumption statistics.
Residents are key to changing this trajectory.
Here are the top water saving tips.
Cape Town’s water status in a nutshell:
- Everyone living, working and visiting Cape Town needs to be water wise, especially in May so we have more water stored ahead of the uncertain winter rainfall, which is predicted to be less than average.
- Cape Town is not in a drought, and not heading to ‘Day Zero’.
- The City may, based on its own assessments of water usage, dam levels and long-term weather forecasts, propose water restrictions before the next Annual Operating Analysis that is done by the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in November. The City is and will continue to closely monitor dam levels and water use closely.
Reminder:
Report burst municipal pipes immediately to the City through formal channels.
There are various ways to report a leak or a pipe burst:
Please provide an exact location or address and always insist on a reference number.
Information:
Caption 1: Dam levels infographic update for 12 May 2026
Caption 2: Wemmershoek Dam in March 2026.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
