Level 3 “recovery” restrictions are in place, effective 1 December 2018. Cape Town is situated in a water-scarce region and weather patterns remain uncertain so residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to continue working together to help change the way in which we use our water.

Excerpts from Mayor Plato’s announcement on 29 November 2018:

‘I want to thank all the residents, officials, and visitors to Cape Town who played their part in helping us get through one of the worst droughts this city has ever seen. While the drought is not yet over, we have seen that there is room to bring some relief to our residents over the festive season. We will still need to be water-wise though, as we do not know what the next rainy season holds.

We are no longer in a period of extreme scarcity, but it does not mean that we should forego some of the great water-wise ways that we have made a part of our daily lives – and for which we have become world famous. We are situated in a water-scarce region and the water-wise efforts and ways to diversify and augment our water supply should and will continue.’

What do Level 3 Water Restrictions mean?

• A daily water usage limit of 105 litres per person per day.
• Municipal drinking-quality water may be used according to the City’s Guidelines.
• Pools can be filled and Gardens can be watered (subject to strict restrictions detailed by the City).

Level 3 Water Restrictions Guidelines: (click here)

Please keep supporting water wise initiatives:

• Keep evaporation covers on pools when not in use.
• Take a short shower.
• Only flush when really necessary.
• Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.
• Wait for a full load before running the dishwasher or washing machine
• Don’t wash dishes under a running tap, run a sink.
• Keep evaporation covers on pools when not in use.

Have a wonderful holiday in Cape Town.

Thank you for your support. Every drop counts!

Cape Town is still recovering from a drought. The dam levels are looking healthy and we hope that our continued water saving efforts will see a full recovery of the city’s water supply.

Level 5 Water Restrictions (From Level 6), effective from 1 October 2018 are in place until further notice.

By supporting essential water saving practices tourists and local visitors can enjoy our beautiful city and all that it has to offer, while helping save our precious resource.

What do Level 5 Water Restrictions mean?

• Municipal drinking-quality water may not be used for outside and non-essential purposes.
• A daily water usage limit of 70 litres per person per day.

Level 5 Water Restrictions explained by the City: (click here)

How does this affect Home Owners?

• Property owners can be fined if water usage limits as specified by the City (which is subject to change) are exceeded.
• Watering of gardens is only allowed using non-potable water and watering times have been restricted in order to preserve the groundwater resource.
• Municipal drinking water may not be used to top up or refill swimming pools.

How does this affect you?

• Cape Town’s water quality is monitored continuously and all water supplied to our taps is safe to drink.
• Expect gardens to be dryer than usual.
• Swimming pools will be clean and usable to the best of the owner’s ability; many have evaporation covers and their own water source.
• Jacuzzi’s may not be operational.
• Bath plugs may be removed from the property.
• Water meter readings may be monitored at check-in and check-out to determine usage during your stay.
• Should the City impose a fine on the owner for excessive use, you may be liable.
• Some properties have water monitoring devices in place to limit daily water usage.

It is important that we all work together to keep Cape Town’s taps running:

• Take a short 2 minute shower.
• Use a bucket to collect the water (cleaning the floor or watering the garden).
• Only flush when really necessary (and preferably with grey water).
• Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth.
• Use hand sanitizer instead of water.
• Wait for a full load before running the dishwasher or washing machine
• Run a shallow sink; don’t wash dishes under a running tap.
• Consider hand washing clothing and less frequent washing.
• Keep evaporation covers on pools when not in use.

We’re still enjoying ourselves in Cape Town:

Thankfully we have some of the greatest beaches in the world, so please make the most of them this year!
Enjoy singing in the shower to the tunes of some of SA’s biggest artists: Click here for great 2 minute shower songs.

Thank you for your support. Every drop counts!