| Residents urged to reduce non-essential water consumption | Residents urged to reduce non-essential water consumption | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Commercial%20Water%20and%20Sanitation%20Concessions%20and%20Rebates%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>Following excessive water usage over the past few weeks, the City is urging Cape Town residents to please be more water-wise and minimise non-essential consumption.</p> | <p>The City has a set collective water-wise daily usage target of less than 975 million litres per day (MLD) for the summer season. This allocation was determined to mitigate the risk associated with below-average or unpredictable rainfall during 2026, and to maintain a reliable water supply.
<br> <br>As of today, Wednesday, 31 December 2025, the average water usage stands at 1 025MLD, with the city’s dam levels at 70,5%.</p><p>Climate change is increasingly altering rainfall patterns in the Western Cape, making dry periods longer, rainfall more intense but less frequent, and dam replenishment less predictable. Scientific projections show that the region is likely to experience greater variability in future rainfall, with a higher risk of extended dry spells and hotter summers that increase evaporation and water demand.<br> <br>‘Currently the City’s main supply dams are 19,2% lower than last year at this time, and as a city we have collectively and consistently been using over 1 000 million litres of water daily. 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 the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.<br> <br>The City reminds the public of some key tips to keep water usage down:</p><ul><li><strong>Take short, stop-start showers or small baths.</strong> The maximum flow rate of new and replaced showerheads may not exceed seven litres.</li><li><strong>Wash more with less, for laundry and dishes. </strong>Only wash clothes and dishes (pots, cups etc) when really needed. Washing and spot-cleaning can use less water.</li><li><strong>Turn off taps and hoses when not using the water.</strong></li><li><strong>Only water gardens before 09:00 or after 18:00 </strong>to avoid evaporation losses.</li><li><strong>Keep summer fun water wise. </strong>Use water mindfully for children’s play and cooling. E.g. Use a wet cloth to cool down hot skin, and avoid wasteful spraying of water.</li><li><strong>Swim, cover, save, repeat. </strong>Built-in and fold-away pools must be covered when not in use, to prevent up to 95% of evaporation losses. Recycle the backwash, and top up with rainwater or alternative water where possible.</li></ul><p></p><p>Early and sustained reductions in water use help protect water security, reduce the risk of sudden restrictions, and ensure that sufficient reserves are available should rainfall in 2026 be below average. Adjusting water-use habits now across households, businesses and the tourism sector will help build resilience against climate-related shocks and safeguard water supplies.</p><p>Cape Town is not waiting for the next crisis. Through the City’s New Water Programme, we are actively securing new water from reuse, desalination and ground water to protect our water future. These investments take time, which is why every Capetonian’s water choices today matter. Saving water now is how we protect our city tomorrow.<br> <br>Residents and businesses are reminded to use water wisely at all times this summer.<br></p> | 2025-12-30T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#b177dbdf-8304-4ceb-96ea-4ad972596ab6;L0|#0b177dbdf-8304-4ceb-96ea-4ad972596ab6|water consumption;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | Media Office, City of Cape Town | 0 |
