Cape Town Water Crisis Notes

Cape Town Water Crisis Timeline

Early Warnings and Predictions

• 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.

Population Growth Impact

• 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.

Warnings from the Department of Water and Sanitation

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

Dam Levels Decline

• 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.

Implementation of 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.

Drought Intensification

• 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.

Level 4 Water Restrictions

• 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.

Level 5 Water Restrictions

• 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.

Level 6 Water Restrictions and "Day Zero" Announcement

• 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.

Reduction in Water Consumption and Postponement of Day Zero

• 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.

Current Status

• 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.