CoCT urges residents to save water amid declining dam levels

The City of Cape Town is urging residents to save as much water as possible before the end of May, as dam levels continue to decline.

The metro’s dam storage levels are currently at 47.8%.

The city said water usage dropped slightly over the past week, from 1,022 million litres per day to 1,014 million litres per day.

However, this remains 39 million litres above the city’s target.

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The City of Cape Town warns that, at current consumption rates, dam levels could drop to around 40% by May if rainfall remains average.

Based on ongoing assessments of water usage, dam levels, and long-term weather forecasts, the city said it may consider proposing water restrictions.

City officials said both dam levels and consumption will be closely monitored in the coming months, particularly in the lead-up to May.

They added that while Cape Town is not currently experiencing a drought, the window to avoid water restrictions later in 2026 is narrowing.

The city stressed that reducing consumption now is critical to ensure more water is stored ahead of the winter rainfall season, which is forecast to be below average.