WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape Government has urged municipalities to introduce precautionary water restrictions ahead of summer, as dam levels decline and hotter, drier conditions are expected to put pressure on water supplies.
In a Local Government Circular issued on 28 October, municipalities have been advised to implement at least Level 1 water restrictions by 15 November, with Level 2 restrictions recommended by 1 December in areas where water supply systems face a higher risk.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, said the early intervention aims to protect water security before demand increases during the summer months.
“This is a precautionary step. We are not in a province-wide water crisis, and the purpose of acting now is precisely to prevent us from reaching that point,” Bredell said.
He added that saving water while reserves remain adequate was preferable to waiting until municipalities were forced to impose more severe restrictions.
Dam levels lower than last year
As of 26 October, dams across the Western Cape were 79% full, compared with 80.5% at the same time last year.
The Greater Cape Town water supply system was at 73.2%, down from 87.8% a year ago.
The provincial Department of Local Government is also monitoring towns that rely on groundwater, along with other vulnerable water supply systems.
Water demand typically peaks between December and March, placing additional pressure on available resources as temperatures rise and more people use water.
Bredell has called on residents and businesses to support municipalities by using water responsibly and avoiding unnecessary consumption.
“Every litre we save now helps protect our water security later in the summer. We are asking everyone to play their part: use water wisely, fix leaks and avoid unnecessary consumption,” he said.
“Small changes across millions of water users can make a significant difference.”
The Department of Local Government will continue monitoring water security across the province and assist municipalities where necessary.
The proposed restrictions are intended as a preventative measure, with the provincial government emphasising that the Western Cape is not currently experiencing a province-wide water crisis.
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