South Africa: Cape Town to ease water restrictions October 1 /update 10

Event

The Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, Ian Neilson, announced on Monday, September 10, that water restrictions will ease in the city on October 1. Restrictions will be lowered from Level 6B to Level 5, allowing personal water use to increase from 50-liter (13.2 gallons) daily limit per person to 70 liters (18.4 gallons). Commercial and industrial restrictions will also be slightly reduced. The overall target for water consumption for the city will rise to 500 million liters (132 million gallons) per day from 450 million liters (119 million gallons). According to city officials, Cape Town’s dams are nearing 70 percent capacity following the rainy season and conservation efforts by the city. Future adjustments to water consumption restrictions are expected to be announced after the National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) releases its report on the upcoming hydrological year.

Context

Cape Town is currently facing its worst water shortage of the past 113 years. South African authorities declared a state of natural disaster across the country on February 13 over the ongoing drought in the southern and western parts of the country and the associated water shortage in Cape Town.

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).