Dam Levels Drop – As South Africa enters the peak of winter, Cape Town is once again grappling with a devastating water shortage. Dam levels across the Western Cape have dropped to alarming lows, falling below 35% as of early August 2025. For residents of Cape Town, this raises the horrifying specter of ‘Day Zero’ — the moment when municipal water taps are expected to run dry. This scenario last haunted the city in 2018, when dam levels approached catastrophic lows and emergency measures were rolled out to avoid a total collapse of the water supply. Despite the wet season, rainfall across major catchment areas has been significantly below average, while population growth and increased water demand have added pressure to an already strained water system. Authorities have confirmed that without immediate and widespread water-saving efforts, Cape Town could see Day Zero arrive as early as late September. The City of Cape Town has issued fresh water restrictions and is urging residents to limit usage to 50 litres per person per day. Warnings have also been sent to industries, farmers, and public services to curtail consumption or face steep penalties. Experts point to a combination of climate variability, mismanagement, and unsustainable consumption as the root causes of the current crisis. And while temporary relief measures are being discussed, the underlying structural problems remain deeply concerning. The looming threat of water scarcity is not only disrupting daily life but also threatening public health, agriculture, and economic productivity. Below is a detailed breakdown of what’s happening, how it affects different sectors, and what urgent steps are being taken in response.
Current Dam Levels Drop in Cape Town as of August 5, 2025
Cape Town’s six major dams have recorded an average combined level of just 34.2%, which is dangerously low for this time of year.
- Dam levels have fallen by 5.6% in just four weeks
- In 2024, dam levels were at 49.8% during the same period
- Highest drop observed in Theewaterskloof Dam – now below 30%
- Berg River Dam and Steenbras Upper remain relatively stable but still low
Dam Storage Levels Table – August 5, 2025
| Dam Name | Current Level (%) | Level Last Year (%) | Capacity (Million m³) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theewaterskloof Dam | 29.6% | 43.2% | 480 | Critical |
| Voëlvlei Dam | 33.4% | 48.7% | 160 | Severe |
| Berg River Dam | 36.1% | 52.9% | 130 | Warning Zone |
| Steenbras Upper Dam | 39.7% | 54.3% | 31 | Warning Zone |
| Steenbras Lower Dam | 32.5% | 50.1% | 36 | Severe |
| Wemmershoek Dam | 34.3% | 47.6% | 58 | Severe |
Water Restrictions Imposed by City of Cape Town
The city has moved swiftly to implement Level 5 water restrictions starting August 6, 2025.
- Households limited to 50 litres per person per day
- Use of hosepipes and sprinklers banned completely
- No filling of swimming pools or water features allowed
- Commercial car washes to use recycled water only
- Non-compliance may lead to fines starting from R3,000
Emergency Response Plan and Water Rationing Timeline
The City of Cape Town has activated a phased emergency plan to prepare for Day Zero.
- Phase 1: Water restriction enforcement teams deployed
- Phase 2: Community water collection points to be set up
- Phase 3: Rationing based on ward-level availability
- Phase 4: Shutdown of bulk supply for non-essential industries
- Potential Day Zero: Projected between September 25–30, 2025
Projected Rationing Zones and Collection Points
| Zone Name | Areas Included | Collection Point Location | Hours of Access | Backup Tankers (Y/N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone A | Khayelitsha, Nyanga | Spine Road Community Hall | 6 AM – 7 PM | Yes |
| Zone B | Mitchells Plain, Grassy Park | Town Centre Stadium | 7 AM – 6 PM | Yes |
| Zone C | Rondebosch, Claremont | Claremont Civic Centre | 8 AM – 8 PM | No |
| Zone D | Bellville, Durbanville | Bellville Stadium | 6 AM – 7 PM | Yes |
| Zone E | CBD, Sea Point | Green Point Urban Park | 7 AM – 7 PM | Yes |
| Zone F | Delft, Belhar | Delft Civic Hall | 6 AM – 6 PM | Yes |
Impact on Agriculture and Local Economy
The Western Cape is home to many of South Africa’s most fertile agricultural zones, and water shortages are already disrupting the economy.
- Vineyards and fruit farms report 30–40% yield reductions
- Export revenues expected to fall by R2.3 billion this season
- Thousands of seasonal farm jobs at risk due to dry soil conditions
- Water tariffs for agricultural usage raised by 18% as of August
Local Businesses and Tourism Also Affected
Water crisis is impacting small businesses and hospitality industry.
- Hotels urged to implement linen reuse programs and water-saving fixtures
- Restaurants limiting water use for cleaning and operations
- Tourist bookings down 12% compared to last August
Government Measures and Long-Term Strategies
The Western Cape government has pledged emergency funding and national support.
- R500 million allocated for borehole expansion and groundwater extraction
- Desalination plant at Strandfontein to be reactivated within 3 weeks
- Drip irrigation grants for farmers to reduce water waste
- Greywater recycling systems to be rolled out in 5,000 homes
National Department Involvement and Statements
The Department of Water and Sanitation is closely monitoring the situation.
- Minister Sipho Mokgokong has assured emergency support
- National Water & Sanitation Master Plan 2025 being expedited
- Intergovernmental coordination teams formed to prevent collapse
Departmental Contact Details
| Department | Contact Person | Phone Number | Email Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Cape Town Water Dept | Mr. Thando Mbele | 021 444 1234 | water.info@capetown.gov.za |
| Western Cape Govt: Water Affairs | Ms. Helena Du Toit | 021 483 4000 | watercrisis@westerncape.gov.za |
| Dept. of Water & Sanitation SA | Mr. Nhlanhla Zungu | 0800 200 200 | info@dws.gov.za |
| Cape Town Disaster Management | Mr. Johan Lategan | 021 597 6000 | disaster@capetown.gov.za |
What Residents Can Do to Conserve Water Now
Every drop counts, and residents are being urged to do their part.
- Take 90-second showers instead of baths
- Reuse greywater for flushing toilets or irrigation
- Only run washing machines with full loads
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth or washing hands
- Report any water leaks or illegal usage to authorities immediately
Tips for Low-Income and Informal Households
The government is distributing water-saving kits to vulnerable communities.
- Free buckets with lids and tap attachments
- Soapless hand-sanitizing stations for areas with no plumbing
- Community education drives on water reuse and hygiene
Sustainable Habits for Long-Term Water Security
Residents are being encouraged to develop long-term habits.
- Install water-efficient taps and toilets
- Harvest rainwater for outdoor use
- Educate children on responsible water use
- Use composting toilets where possible
- Join local water monitoring and conservation groups
FAQs of Dam Levels Drop
- When will Day Zero happen in Cape Town?
Current projections suggest between September 25 and 30, 2025 if conditions do not improve. - How much water am I allowed to use per day?
Under Level 5 restrictions, each person is limited to 50 litres of water per day. - Will schools and hospitals remain open during Day Zero?
Yes, critical institutions will be prioritized and receive water through tankers and boreholes. - Can I still use water for gardening or washing my car?
No, outdoor use of municipal water is strictly prohibited under Level 5 restrictions. - What happens if I exceed my water limit?
Households found violating restrictions may face fines starting from R3,000 and have their supply reduced.