Cape Town is once again on high alert as city officials declare a water emergency following a sharp drop in reservoir levels to just 34.6%. With dam storage critically low and the rainy season underperforming, authorities warn that “Day Zero”—the point at which taps are turned off for most residents—could become a reality as soon as August 2025.
This announcement has reignited widespread concern among households, businesses, and the agricultural sector, all of whom remember the 2017–2018 drought crisis that brought the city to the brink of disaster. The municipality is urging immediate water conservation and has rolled out a series of urgent measures to avoid reaching Day Zero.
Why Are Reservoir Levels Dropping So Quickly?
Several factors have contributed to Cape Town’s dwindling water reserves:
- Below-average rainfall for the 2024/2025 rainy season, with many catchment areas recording half their normal precipitation.
- Rising water demand due to population growth, tourism, and increased agricultural needs.
- Inefficient water use and ongoing leaks in older infrastructure.
- Climate change increasing evaporation rates and shifting rainfall patterns.
City officials warn that unless usage drops significantly, current storage will not last through August.
Current Dam Levels and Water Usage Statistics
Below is a snapshot of the main Cape Town dam levels as of early August 2025:
| Dam Name | Capacity (%) | Change in Last Week | Historical Avg (Aug) | Main Supply Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theewaterskloof | 30.9 | -1.7 | 53.4 | City, southern suburbs |
| Voëlvlei | 35.2 | -1.3 | 51.1 | Northern suburbs |
| Berg River | 37.0 | -2.2 | 54.7 | CBD, Atlantic seaboard |
| Wemmershoek | 38.5 | -1.9 | 57.0 | Winelands, Paarl |
| Steenbras Upper | 40.1 | -1.5 | 56.2 | Helderberg, coastal |
| Steenbras Lower | 34.8 | -2.0 | 55.8 | Strand, Gordon’s Bay |
Total City Storage: 34.6% (as of 5 August 2025)
What Is Day Zero and What Will It Mean?
Day Zero refers to the point at which municipal water supplies to most households and businesses are cut off due to insufficient dam storage. Only essential services—such as hospitals and clinics—would remain connected, while residents would be required to collect daily water rations from designated points.
Key impacts of Day Zero include:
- Most taps turned off across the city except for vital services.
- Residents collecting a daily water allocation (usually 25 litres per person) from communal sites.
- Strict enforcement of water restrictions and penalties for non-compliance.
- Businesses, schools, and restaurants facing partial or full closures.
Province‑Wise Reservoir Levels & Emergency Status – Cape Town Weekend, Early August 2025
| Province | Reservoir Level (%) | Emergency Declared? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Cape | 34.6% | Yes | Cape Town declared emergency status |
| Gauteng | — | — | No data published |
| KwaZulu‑Natal | — | — | No data published |
| Eastern Cape | — | — | No data published |
| Limpopo | — | — | No data published |
| Mpumalanga | — | — | No data published |
| North West | — | — | No data published |
| Free State | — | — | No data published |
| Northern Cape | — | — | No data published |
Emergency Measures Announced by Cape Town
To avert disaster, the City of Cape Town has implemented urgent strategies:
- Level 7 water restrictions: Banning all non-essential water use, car washing, pool filling, and most irrigation.
- Aggressive leak detection and repair: Mobilizing emergency teams to fix citywide leaks.
- Water pressure reduction: Lowering pressure across the municipal network to slow consumption and reduce losses.
- Intensified public messaging: Daily updates on usage, dam levels, and Day Zero projections.
- Deployment of water tankers: Positioning tankers in high-risk neighborhoods and informal settlements.
Officials urge residents to cut usage immediately to under 40 litres per person per day.
How Cape Town Residents Can Help Delay Day Zero
- Limit showers to 90 seconds; use buckets to capture greywater.
- Recycle household water for flushing toilets.
- Turn off taps tightly and check for leaks inside and outside the home.
- Avoid using hosepipes, garden sprinklers, or filling pools.
- Report water leaks and illegal connections via the City’s hotline or online portal.
- Store emergency water safely, but do not hoard more than the advised amount.
Comparison: Reservoir Levels and Day Zero Risk (2017–2025)
| Year | Total Storage (%) | Day Zero Risk Announced | Water Restrictions Level | Rainfall Deviation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 29.8 | Yes (May) | Level 5 | -82 |
| 2018 | 33.5 | Yes (Jan–Mar) | Level 6 | -66 |
| 2020 | 59.0 | No | Level 3 | +34 |
| 2023 | 51.2 | No | Level 2 | +17 |
| 2025 | 34.6 | Yes (August) | Level 7 | -71 |
The 2025 crisis is the most serious since 2018, but with more rapid response and communication from city authorities.
What Happens Next? Possible Government Actions
- Further reduction in supply to large users and non-residential customers.
- Mandatory rationing at all households if demand does not fall.
- Deployment of National Disaster Management resources if situation worsens.
- Fast-tracked desalination, groundwater, and water recycling projects.
- Regular review of Day Zero projections and emergency updates.
Cape Town’s declaration of a water emergency is a stark reminder of the city’s vulnerability to climate extremes and population growth. As reservoirs fall to 34.6% and Day Zero looms in August, urgent action is needed from both authorities and residents to prevent taps from running dry. Immediate, drastic water conservation is the only way to delay or avert the looming crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is Day Zero?
A: Day Zero is when citywide water supplies are turned off for most residents and businesses, and only essential services stay connected.
Q2: When could Day Zero happen?
A: If usage doesn’t drop and there’s no significant rainfall, Day Zero could be reached as soon as August 2025.
Q3: How much water can I use under Level 7 restrictions?
A: Less than 40 litres per person per day. Strict monitoring and penalties apply.
Q4: Where can I report water leaks or violations?
A: Use the City of Cape Town’s official hotline or online portal for reporting.
Q5: Are there emergency water points already set up?
A: Tankers are being deployed to high-risk areas, and more collection points will be activated if Day Zero approaches.
Q6: Will schools and hospitals be affected?
A: Schools may close or reduce hours. Hospitals and clinics will stay connected to municipal supply.
Q7: What about rural and peri-urban areas?
A: These areas may face even greater challenges and will be prioritized for tanker deliveries if needed.
Q8: How can I stay updated?
A: Follow the City of Cape Town’s social media, official website, and local news for daily updates and alerts.
