Article re-cap
- The City of Cape Town has implemented Level 2 water restrictions because dam levels have dropped to 38 per cent.
- Under the new restrictions, residents are limited to 70 litres of water per person per day.
- Garden watering with municipal water is only permitted on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00.
- Theewaterskloof Dam currently holds 41 per cent capacity and supplies about 50 per cent of the water for Cape Town.
The City of Cape Town has implemented Level 2 water restrictions with immediate effect after dam levels dropped to 38 per cent.
The collective level of the six dams supplying the city fell significantly below the seasonal average of 54 per cent following the driest May in the city's recorded history. Rainfall in the Western Cape was just 18 per cent of the long-term average for the month.
Under the new restrictions, residents are limited to 70 litres per person per day from the previous 105 litres. Garden watering with municipal water is prohibited except on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00, while washing vehicles with hosepipes is banned and filling swimming pools requires a permit.
Theewaterskloof Dam, which supplies approximately 50 per cent of Cape Town's water, is at 41 per cent capacity. Steenbras Lower and Upper dams are at 33 per cent and 29 per cent respectively, while Wemmershoek Dam is at 44 per cent.
Water authorities stated that Level 3 restrictions, limiting residents to 50 litres per day, may be required by August if the rainfall deficit continues through July. The City has activated its groundwater programme, which can supply an additional 50 million litres per day if needed.
We are not at crisis point yet, but we are monitoring the situation very carefully. Cape Town residents showed the world what collective action can achieve during Day Zero. We may need that spirit again.
Xanthea Limberg, Mayoral Committee Member for Water and Sanitation, said.
Frequently asked questions
What are the new daily water limits for Bloubergstrand residents under Level 2 restrictions?
Residents are now limited to 70 litres per person per day, down from the previous 105 litres per person per day under the previous restrictions.
When can I water my garden under Level 2 restrictions?
Garden watering with municipal water is only permitted on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 09:00 or after 18:00. Watering at all other times is prohibited.
Why has Cape Town implemented these restrictions now?
The six dams supplying the city have fallen to 38 per cent capacity after May recorded the driest conditions in the city's history, with rainfall at just 18 per cent of the long-term average.
What happens if rainfall remains low through July?
Water authorities may implement Level 3 restrictions by August, which would limit residents to 50 litres per person per day. The City is also activating its groundwater programme to supply an additional 50 million litres daily if needed.
Source: insideoutnews.co.za
