Is Cape Town's Water Supply Secure? City Prepares for Future Uncertainties

Cape Town dam levels 13% lower than last year, still no rain in sight

Cape Town's dams are holding 77.4% of their combined capacity, but levels remain well below those recorded at the same time last year.

Is Cape Town's water supply secure? City prepares for future uncertainties

Department of Water and Sanitation hopeful for more rain, as dam levels decline

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is “hopeful” that the Western Cape will receive more rain before the end of the current winter season, as they prepare to ramp up messaging and public campaigns to conserve water.   The Department held a media briefing at its Bellville regional office on Wednesday, 19 August, noting that collective dam levels for Cape Town are about 13% lower than this time last year.   […]

Cape Town’s Water Supply Remains Stable, But City Prepares For A More Uncertain Future

The 2026 Water Outlook shows that water demand increased above the 1,5% target during the 2025/26 financial year, largely due to an early end to the rainy season which yielded below-average rainfall, followed by an extended drier summer. Household water use has also stayed higher than expected during winter, dropping primarily when it rains. ‘We are not waiting for the next drought to start preparing. We are investing now in new water sources an…