Beyond Day Zero: Cape Town invests billions to secure future water supply

After coming close to "Day Zero" in 2018, the City of Cape Town has now moved to quickly strengthen water infrastructure across the network.

Officials said rising water use has pushed water consumption in the metro to more than a billion litres a day, 83 million litres above the city’s target.

The city's water and sanitation directorate says the window to avoid water restrictions later this year is narrowing.

Mayco member for water and sanitation Zahid Badroodien said the city is doing its part with accelerated pipe upgrades, tightened pressure management, fixing leaks faster and the clearing of water-hungry alien vegetation.

Badroodien said residents should also do their bit.

"Fixing leaks, using water wisely in our homes, and reporting burst pipes immediately will help us reduce water losses as far as possible," said Badroodien.