New water use target, Cape Town’s dam levels dip to 45,9%
10 April 2026
From April, the City has changed to a proactive winter water savings target, now calling on Team Cape Town to collectively use less than 860 million litres a day. While this shift reflects the seasonal use that tends to happen as the weather changes, the need to save water remains crucial, especially between now and May to avoid water restrictions being implemented sooner than the end of this year. Based on the current water usage trend, dam storage could drop to as low as 40% by May if this year’s rainfall is average.
Team Cape Town, we all need to use less water so that together we can manage our current 45,9% dam levels that will need to last possibly until next year, without depending on unpredictable rainfall this year.
New winter target
Annually, the City sets proactive water savings targets for summer and winter periods in line with the expected use for the seasons. This also aligns with the hydrological year or rainy season.
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Summer (October to March): 975 MLD target is set higher to allow for the increased outdoor use, such as irrigation, use of swimming pools etc
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Winter (April to September): 860 MLD target is set lower, compared to summer, as typically outdoor use is less because of rainfall, which offsets the need for irrigation of gardens.
All of us need to use water wisely at all times, especially over the next two months and to fix leaks, so we can collectively keep our usage under 860 million litres a day (MLD) to reduce the risk of restrictions, should below average rainfall be experienced this winter.
If we use more than this winter target, followed by another below average rainfall this winter, the City may have to implement water restrictions by the end of this year, if not sooner.
Current dam levels and how much water Cape Town has used
Over the past week, water usage has decreased to 931 million litres of water a day (MLD) from 1014 MLD last week.
This remains 71 MLD over the new winter usage target.
Cape Town’s dam storage levels currently stand at 45,9%.
Cape Town’s water status in a nutshell:
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Everyone living, working and visiting Cape Town needs to be water wise, especially between now and the end of May so we have more water stored ahead of the uncertain winter rainfall, which is predicted to be less than average.
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Cape Town is not in a drought, and not heading to ‘Day Zero’. However, Cape Town is in the early warning phase that reflects lower-than-expected dam levels and signals the need for continued careful use of water. The window to avoid water restrictions before November is narrowing as our collective usage remains high. Based on the current water usage trend, dam storage could drop to as low as 40% by May if this year’s rainfall is average.
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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.
- The water system is entering a more sensitive period as
every drop counts ahead of unpredictable winter rainfall.
Team Cape Town, let’s continue to save water together
‘For the first time since the beginning of summer, water demand has dropped below the summer target, which is already showing signs of the change in water usage based on the weather.
‘As we shift to the winter target, let this continue. Team Cape Town, saving water is in all of our hands. We all use water every day, so if we all use less, we will collectively be doing so much more.
‘Change starts with each one of us. Let us lead by example and use water responsibly in our homes, at work, at school and wherever else we find ourselves.
‘Water is a precious resource and we need to protect it and help manage our dam levels to avoid water restrictions being implemented earlier than November. We cannot depend on winter rainfall to fill our dams because it is unpredictable and it is provisionally forecasted to be below average.
‘Thank you to our residents who have been using less water, but we urge everyone to get on board as every drop counts and more needs to be saved.
‘Our collective water use continues to be way over the outgoing summer and new winter targets that have been set to help us collectively manage our supply until winter.
‘Team Cape Town, please remember to use water wisely and responsibly in and around our homes, businesses and industries, and for essential purposes only. Every drop counts,’ said Councillor Zahid Badroodien, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation.
Tips to use less water:
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Find and fix water leaks on your property.
If dripping taps, leaking toilets and faulty plumbing go undetected and ignored for a long time, a lot of water is wasted. -
Monitor your own usage and make the effort to save water.
About 70% of all water used in the city is used in homes, which is why saving water at home is so critical. Only water the garden at night to prevent evaporation and avoid topping up swimming pools or pool inflatables unnecessarily. -
Report burst municipal pipes immediately to the City through formal channels.
There are various ways to report a leak or a pipe burst:
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Switch to treated effluent re-use for industrial irrigation or construction purposes.
The City promotes and supplies treated effluent to large water users such as industry, sports clubs, golf clubs, large new developments and schools.
Information:
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
