South Africa: Intensified water use restrictions in Cape Town January 1 /update 1

Event

The South African National Department of Water and Sanitation has directed residents of Cape Town and surrounding areas in Western Cape province to further reduce their water consumption beginning on Monday, January 1. Residents of Cape Town and other urban areas are instructed to reduce their water consumption by 45 percent, while agricultural water users are required to reduce their consumption by 60 percent. Water consumption over 10,500 liters per day (2773.8 gallons per day) will be considered "excessive" beginning January 1. Continued water rationing is expected in the coming weeks in Cape Town and surrounding areas in Western Cape province.

Context

Cape Town is currently facing its worst water shortage of the past 113 years. Western Cape province first declared a drought disaster in May. Water restrictions have been in place in Cape Town since 2005, but have become increasingly strict since December 2015. Authorities are also on guard against an increased risk of wildfires in the region due to the ongoing drought.

The southern African region has been experiencing severe droughts for almost three years, as a result of the devastating effects of the climatic phenomenon El Niño. The United Nations estimates that over 40 million people have been affected by the drought, which has also resulted in the decimation of crops and water resources, leaving millions dependent on aid. While areas such as northern South Africa, parts of Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have benefited from heavy rainfall this year, other areas, including the region around Cape Town, remain seriously affected by low precipitation levels.

Advice

Individuals in Cape Town and other drought-stricken areas are advised to conserve water, stock up on bottled water, keep abreast of the situation via local media outlets, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. water rationing measures, details available here).​