Cape Town Water Crisis Notes

1990: The Cape Times reported that the city would run out of water in 17 years, based on a Water Research Commission study, highlighting early concerns and scientific projections.

1995-2000: Cape Town's population grew by 79 percent.
- This exponential growth significantly increased water demand, straining the city's existing resources while water supply was diminishing.

2007: The Department of Water and Sanitation issued a warning about potential water supply shortages for the city, signaling the need for proactive measures.

2014: City's dams were at 71.9 percent capacity, indicating a concerning downward trend.
2015: Dam levels declined to nearly 50 percent, prompting initial discussions about water restrictions.

2016: Level 2 water restrictions were implemented.
- November 1, 2016: Restrictions elevated to Level 3.
  - Sprinklers and hoses were prohibited in residential areas to curb excessive water usage.
Cape Town started planning for emergency water sources, including the construction of three major desalination plants to augment supply.

May 2017: Storage in dams was less than 10 percent of usable capacity, reaching critical levels.
Cape Town was declared to be in its worst drought since 1933, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

June 1, 2017: Level 4 water restrictions were implemented.
Water usage was limited to 100 liters per person per day; heightened restrictions aimed to conserve rapidly diminishing supplies.

Three months later, Level 5 restrictions were imposed.
September 3, 2017: Each household was limited to 50 liters of municipal water per day.
Perspective: An average American's 8-minute shower uses 65.1 liters of water, illustrating the drastic reduction imposed.

New Year's Eve 2018: Level 6 water restrictions were implemented, marking the most severe phase of the crisis.
"Day Zero" was announced, initially projected for April 21, 2018.
- Municipal water supplies would be largely shut off, indicating potential infrastructural collapse.
- Residents would rely on 140 water collection points, requiring extensive logistical arrangements.
- Daily water ration: 25 liters per person, a minimal amount for basic needs.
February: Day Zero date was moved to April 16, reflecting adjustments based on ongoing assessments.

Residents significantly reduced water use through conservation efforts and behavioral changes.
March: Total daily consumption was down to 511 million liters per day, showing the impact of conservation measures.
Rainy season arrived, providing some relief and replenishing depleted reserves.
Day Zero was moved to May 11, then June 4, and then to July 9, indicating fluctuating projections.
June 28: Day Zero was postponed indefinitely, averting immediate crisis.

Cape Town has slowly emerged from the drought, attributed to reduced water use and improved rainfall.
Level 6 water restrictions remain in place to prevent another crisis and sustain conservation efforts.
Day Zero is currently set for an unnamed date in 2019, serving as a reminder of ongoing vulnerability.