Water Supply Falls – Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most beautiful yet water-stressed cities, is again facing a looming water crisis. The term “Day Zero,” which once haunted residents in 2018, is resurfacing in headlines as dam levels fall dangerously below the 35% mark. Recent reports confirm that the city’s main water reservoirs are drying up faster than anticipated due to an unusually dry winter and increased water consumption. Authorities are now implementing emergency measures to avoid the unthinkable: taps running dry for millions of residents. The situation has sparked serious concern among residents, businesses, and local government officials, as the specter of Day Zero 2.0 grows more real by the day. Cape Town, with its booming tourism sector and growing population, relies heavily on a stable water supply. But as weather patterns shift and rainfall becomes increasingly unreliable, the city must take drastic action to conserve what little is left. In this article, we’ll cover the current water levels, the government’s emergency response, rationing schedules, what residents should prepare for, and how to stay updated. We’ll also provide departmental contacts and answers to frequently asked questions.
Cape Town’s Water Supply Falls – Where We Stand Now
As of the latest update, combined dam levels supplying Cape Town have dropped to 34.7%. Authorities warn that if usage trends continue, the city could reach critical levels by late September 2025.
Key Figures to Understand the Situation:
- Current average dam level: 34.7%
- Same time last year: 52.9%
- Daily water consumption: 944 million litres (target is 850ML)
- Target level to trigger Day Zero: 20%
- Current rainfall shortfall: 38% below historical average
- Agricultural water use has already been restricted by 15%
- Borehole licenses have increased by 43% in urban areas
Emergency Measures by Water Supply Falls
With the looming threat of a second Day Zero, the city has activated its emergency drought response protocols. These plans focus on immediate water savings, infrastructure repair, and public communication.
Emergency Plans Implemented:
- Level 6B Water Restrictions now in effect
- Water pressure reduced in all residential areas
- Immediate ban on non-essential water usage (e.g., washing cars, filling pools)
- All government buildings limited to essential usage only
- Accelerated borehole permit processing to support private water harvesting
- Water-saving awareness campaigns across media
- Deployment of 450 mobile water tanks to informal settlements
Dam Storage Levels Across Western Cape
Below is a table showing the water levels in major dams that feed into Cape Town’s water supply.
| Dam Name | Capacity (ML) | Current Level (%) | Last Week (%) | Last Year (%) | Change (%) | Trend | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theewaterskloof | 480,000 | 33.4 | 35.1 | 54.5 | -1.7 | Decreasing | High |
| Berg River | 130,000 | 37.6 | 38.9 | 59.3 | -1.3 | Decreasing | Moderate |
| Wemmershoek | 58,600 | 32.8 | 34.0 | 51.2 | -1.2 | Decreasing | High |
| Voëlvlei | 160,000 | 30.2 | 32.5 | 48.8 | -2.3 | Decreasing | Very High |
| Steenbras Upper | 31,800 | 29.9 | 31.1 | 46.0 | -1.2 | Decreasing | High |
| Steenbras Lower | 33,000 | 35.5 | 36.4 | 53.7 | -0.9 | Decreasing | Moderate |
| Total Average | 893,400 | 34.7 | 36.5 | 52.9 | -1.8 | Decreasing | Critical |
What Residents Must Do Immediately to Avoid Day Zero
All Cape Town residents are urged to act swiftly and responsibly. Conserving water is not just recommended — it is now a legal and moral obligation.
Immediate Actions for Every Household:
- Limit shower time to 90 seconds
- Only flush toilets when absolutely necessary
- Use greywater for gardening or toilet flushing
- Turn off taps while brushing teeth or doing dishes
- Collect rainwater in containers
- Refrain from using hosepipes or sprinklers
- Fix all leaks or dripping taps within 24 hours
City’s Water Rationing Schedule by Area
The city has implemented a scheduled water distribution plan to balance supply across regions. Below is the current weekly water rationing plan.
| Area Name | Water On Hours | Off Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Suburbs | 04:00–08:00 & 18:00–22:00 | Rest of day off | Low-pressure flow during off hours |
| Northern Suburbs | 05:00–09:00 & 17:00–21:00 | Rest of day off | Reduced supply after 21:00 |
| CBD | 24/7 (Low Pressure) | — | Monitored flow only |
| Mitchells Plain | 06:00–10:00 & 16:00–20:00 | Off otherwise | Rotation changes weekly |
| Khayelitsha | 04:00–08:00 & 18:00–22:00 | Off otherwise | Tanker support available |
| Athlone | 06:00–10:00 & 17:00–21:00 | Off otherwise | Mobile tanks deployed |
| Strand & Somerset West | 05:00–09:00 & 18:00–22:00 | Off otherwise | Emergency boreholes drilled |
How to Stay Updated on the Crisis
Staying informed is crucial during emergencies like this. Cape Town residents should rely only on verified and official sources for accurate updates.
- Follow @CityofCT on Twitter and Facebook
- Sign up for SMS alerts via the City of Cape Town website
- Monitor www.capetown.gov.za/water for real-time dam levels
- Listen to local radio alerts (CapeTalk, KFM, Radio 2000)
- Download the City’s “Water Dashboard” app for live updates
Departmental Helplines and Contact Details
If you have questions about water supply, rationing, or tank locations, contact the following departments directly.
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Cape Town – Water Desk | 0860 103 089 | water@capetown.gov.za | 24/7 Support |
| Emergency Water Complaints | 021 480 7700 | complaints@capetown.gov.za | 7AM to 10PM |
| Tanker Request Hotline | 0800 205 005 | tanksupport@capetown.gov.za | Weekdays Only |
| Borehole Licensing Office | 021 400 2322 | boreholes@capetown.gov.za | 9AM to 5PM |
| Disaster Risk Management | 107 (from landline) | disaster.management@capetown.gov.za | 24/7 Emergency |
Cape Town’s water situation is once again reaching a critical point, and this time, residents and authorities must work together to prevent disaster. If the current rainfall shortage continues and consumption doesn’t reduce drastically, Day Zero could become a reality. The good news is that the city is more prepared now than it was in 2018, with emergency plans in motion and a more aware population. Still, every drop counts — and every decision matters.
FAQs of Water Supply Falls
Q1: What is the current water restriction level in Cape Town?
Level 6B restrictions are now in place, with severe limitations on all non-essential use.
Q2: When could Day Zero happen if the trend continues?
Projections suggest late September 2025 if consumption isn’t reduced significantly.
Q3: Can I still use municipal water for gardening or washing cars?
No. All outdoor and non-essential use is currently banned.
Q4: Will the city provide water tankers in informal settlements?
Yes. 450+ tankers are being deployed and updated weekly by the city.
Q5: How can I get real-time water updates?
Use the City of Cape Town’s Water Dashboard app or visit capetown.gov.za/water.