Capetonians are still struggling with the effects of the longest, worst drought ever, and with the dams down to less than 20%, of which the last 10% cannot be utilised, fears are growing that the taps will indeed run dry.
Level 4 Water Restrictions came into effect on 1 June – this means:
- Residents are limited to 100l of water per person per day;
- Irrigation with Municipal water is strictly prohibited;
- Use of Municipal water is strictly prohibited for use in water features;
- Irrigation with non-potable water is strongly encouraged only on Tuesdays and Saturdays before 9am and after 6pm and for no longer than an hour. It is also discouraged for 7 days after an adequate rainfall;
- Flushing toilet with non-potable water such as grey water or rainwater only is encouraged;
- Topping up and filling of swimming pools with Municipal water is strictly prohibited;
- The use of porta-pools is strictly prohibited;
- Motor vehicles may not be washed with Municipal water;
The city is currently still using approximately 666 million litres of water a day, which is too much at current dam levels.
Mayor Patricia de Lille has said that she has requested council to support further restrictions, 4B, which could be implemented in the next 60 days. These restrictions would be more closely aligned with a 500 million litre per day goal with the use of potable water only being allowed for drinking, cooking and washing.
“We really are hoping that if the worst comes to the worst, the city will bring in – truck in water. We will make sure that the modular desalination plant comes on as soon as possible,” said De Lille.
“The best still is for people to save water. We need a new relationship with water. The days of plentiful water supply in Cape Town are over,” she added.
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