Cape Town’s dam levels are currently sitting at 53.7%, with officials warning that the next three months will be critical as the city heads toward winter.

This is down from the 54.6% reported last Thursday, but with Capetonians’ water-wise efforts seemingly paying off.

While the metro is not in a drought, it has entered an early warning phase due to lower-than-expected storage levels. Authorities say careful water use now could help avoid restrictions later this year.

Dam levels drop below last year’s mark

Current storage is 17% lower than at the same time last year. Based on present consumption trends, dam levels could fall to around 40% by May if rainfall is average.

There is no immediate threat to supply. However, officials say the system is becoming more sensitive ahead of the winter rainfall season.

Over the past week, water use declined to 1 012 million litres per day (MLD), down from 1 073 million litres. Even so, consumption remains 37 million litres above the city’s 975 MLD target.

Households urged to cut use

The City of Cape Town’s Mayco Member for Water and Sanitation, Zahid Badroodien, thanked residents for the recent drop in demand.

“For the first time in weeks, the water usage has dropped to be closer to the 1 000 MLD mark,” he said.

He stressed that around 70% of the city’s water is used in homes, meaning individual behaviour plays a major role.

“With dam levels being 17% lower compared to last year, and unpredictable rainfall, we have to use water responsibly and be water wise at all times, especially now,” Badroodien added.

Residents are encouraged to limit water use to essential purposes as the city navigates the months leading up to winter.

Click here for the City of Cape Town’s top water-saving tips