The City of Cape Town will soon meet with the National Government to discuss possible water restrictions over the coming dry season.

While the City does what it can to reduce water losses, responsible water use by residents, as prescribed by the City’s Water By-Law, is crucial to ensuring continued security of supply.

There has been lower than average rainfall and run-off in the catchment areas of the major dams supplying Cape Town and the surrounding region with water this winter.

As a result, the levels of the major dams of the Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) are lower than the City is comfortable with as the region comes to the end of the rainy winter season.

The six major dams of the WCWSS are currently at about 74% capacity which, while not critically low, is lower than average over the last 20 years.

The National Department of Water and Sanitation, together with all stakeholders in the region (including the City), will therefore meet and decide at the beginning of November whether restrictions will be required over the coming summer season, and if so what the level of restriction will be.

“We need to be mindful that the water being provided to us by the City of Cape Town is of an exceptionally high quality and should not be wasted. It is this culture that we need to maintain as consumers throughout the year – come rain or shine,” says Ernest Sonnenberg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Utility Services.

The Water By-law, as well as information regarding water conservation and alternative water options, can be found on the City’s Water and Sanitation website.

“Because Cape Town is situated in a water-scarce, semi-arid region, it is important that we all do our bit to conserve our most precious resource and avoid unnecessary water restrictions and measures. Even minor adjustments in attitude and habits, when compounded, can make a significant difference,” says Sonnenberg.