Think water
We need your help to conserve water.Cape Town is in a water scarce region and rainfall patterns remain uncertain.
Our shared water future
Cape Town has initiated a collaborative approach to our water future. Learn about the Cape Town Water Strategy and Cape Town's plan for a more resilient future with sufficient water for all.
Water reuse
Water reuse is one of the ways that we are bringing new sources of water into our city. View our video and Water Reuse Booklet to learn more about water reuse in Cape Town.
New water supply projects
- Read the Water Outlook Report 2025 to learn about projects that will increase and diversify Cape Town's water supply
- Groundwater extraction
- Water reuse
- Clearing of invasive alien vegetation
- Berg River Augmentation Scheme
- Temporary and permanent desalination (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa)
- Spring water extraction
- Lourens River water extraction
- Water demand management
Water tariffs
Find out more about water and sanitation costs for residential and commercial users.
current tariff level
The lowest (no restriction) tariff has been in effect from 1 November 2020.
Simplified guide for the most common water and sanitation tariffs.
City Connect
Inland water quality
Cape Town's long-term aim is to be a water-sensitive city where rivers, wetlands, canals and streams are accessible, inclusive and safe to use.
Read the full Inland Water Quality Reports for more information on the current situation:
- 2019 Technical Report
- 2021 Technical Report
- 2024 Technical Report and Summary
- 2025 Technical Report and Summary
For enquiries, email: Inland.WaterQuality@capetown.gov.za.
Water Quality Dashboard
The Inland Water Quality Dashboard is a user-friendly platform that allows you to view and monitor the quality of the City's inland water bodies.
Liveable urban waterways
Learn about the Liveable Urban Waterway (LUW) Programme and how we are rehabilitating waterways across Cape Town.
Saving water
Cape Town is the number one water-saving city in the world. Find out more on how to save water.
- Water-saving tips (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa)
- Find and fix leaks (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa)
- Guide to finding and fixing water leaks (English | Afrikaans | isiXhosa)
DAM LEVELS
View the latest dam levels of the dams serving the Cape Town municipal supply area.
Alternative water sources
By using alternative water sources such as grey water, groundwater, rain water, treated effluent, boreholes and wells, you can help conserve our drinking water and reduce costs.
However, alternative water must be used responsibly and in accordance with rules and regulations to ensure safety. Before going this route, please consult our Guidelines for the installation of alternative water systems and the summary guide.
Water restrictions
Even though our dam levels have increased, rainfall remains well below the long-term average. Protect our water resources - adhere to water regulations.
Water restrictions
Water restrictions are not in effect, since 1 November 2020. In terms of the Water By-law, permanent water-saving regulations are in place. Please continue to use water responsibly - failure to comply may result in a fine or prosecution.
Find out more about water restrictions.
Tools and resources
- Water and sanitation education resources
- Cape Town Water Strategy
- Find a qualified, registered plumber
- Groundwater extraction
- Cape Town water and sanitation system
- Treated effluent FAQs
- Water and Sanitation Department
- Water and sanitation reports and publications
- Water Outlook Report 2025
- Water quality
- Water-saving toolkits: download posters, sticker and card templates for your home, business or guest house
- Youtube channel
Report water issues and offences
Help us save water, report water issues (e.g. burst pipes or faulty meters) and restriction offences:
- Call 0860 103 089 (choose option 2: water-related faults)
- Email water@capetown.gov.za
- Online through our Service Requests tool
- SMS 31373 (free SMSes do not apply)
Document downloads
Document downloads
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